^0  iS 


JOHNA.SEAVERNS 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cunnmings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts  University 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton,  MA  01536 


eing-kidi:rg 


BEING  A    COLLECTION  OF  MOVEMENTS  AND    COMMANDS 

DESIGNED  FOR   THE  USE  OF  RIDING-SCHOOLS 

AND  RIDING-CLUBS 


BY 
HENRY   W.   STRUSS 


NEW    YOEK 

D.    APPLETON    AND    COMPANY 

1891 


Copyright,  1891. 
By  D.  APPLETON  AND  COMPANY. 


TO   THE 

NEW   YORK   RIDING-CLUB, 

A   BROTHERHOOD   OF   GOOD    FELLOWS   AND   GOOD   RIDERS, 

WHOSE   FRIENDSHIP  I   SHALL  ALWAYS   HOLD 

IN   AFFECTIONATE   REMEMBRANCE, 

THIS   BOOK  IS   DEDICATED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 


Being  a  member  of  the  Riding  Committee  of  tlie  New 
York  Riding-Club,  and  finding  that  it  would  be  a  great 
convenience  and  advantage  to  have  some  work  on  Ring- 
riding  as  a  reference  and  guide  for  the  use  of  the  club  in 
general,  and  the  committee  and  riding-master  in  particular, 
I  tried  to  find  such  a  book ;  but,  although  there  are  quite  a 
number  of  publications  on  the  subject  of  horseback-riding 
and  horse-training,  I  could  not  find  anything  of  the  kind 
desired.  It  then  occurred  to  me  that  I  might  fill  the  void, 
and  I  have  tried  to  do  so  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  I  hope 
the  result  of  my  efforts  will  prove  of  benefit  to  fellow-riders, 
and  especially  to  clubs  and  classes  organized  for  improve- 
ment in  ring-riding. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGB 

Ring-Riding 13 

General  Rules  .....'...        ,.o,  14 

Commands — Guiding 15 

Direction — Mounting   . 16 

Position  in  the  Saddle 17 

Dismounting — Use  of  Reins  and  Legs 18 

Counting — Whip  and  Spurs         .         .        ' 19 

To  Walk— To  Halt— To  Rein  Back 20 

Ti'otting-^Galloping 21 

Movements  in  Single  B'ile        . 23 

The  Quarter  -  Circle— The   Large  Circle — The  Half -School — Changing 

Hands  or  Direction 24 

The  Spiral 28 

The  Center  Circle— The  Right  or  Left  Turn— The  Small  Circle        .        .  30 

The  Right  or  Left  About— The  Small  Circle  in  the  Ring  ....  32 
To  Pass  from  Head  to  Rear  of  Column — To  Pass  from  Rear  to  Front  of 

Column — Even  and  Odd  Numbers  to  Pass  Alternately  Ahead   .        .  34 

Odd  and  Even  Numbers  to  Fall  Alternately  Behind  by  Circling       .        .  35 

To  Form  in  Column  of  Twos,  Threes,  etc 35 

Forming  Up  in  Succession 35 

Forming  Simultaneously — To  Form  Column  of  Threes  from  Column  of 

Twos 36 

To  Form  Threes— To  Form  Fours— To  Form  Sixes— Distances        .        .  38 

To  Form  Line 40 

To  Break  off 42 

Column  of  Twos  from  Column  of  Threes 44 

Movements  in  Column  of  Twos — Movements  in  Column  of  Fours    .        .  46 

The  Right  Turn— The  About 48 

The  Small  Circle— The  Oblique 50 

To  Reverse  the  Position  of  Each  Rider  as  to  the  Flanks  ....  52 

Wheeling  and  Circling 53 


EmO-RIDIRG. 


PAGE 

Turning  a  Corner          . 515 

To  Circle  at  any  Point — To  Circle  on  a  Movable  Pivot  ....  54 
Starting  and  Finishing  Movements — To  Form  a  Line  Across  the  Ring 

from  the  Right  Flank 56 

To  Form  a  Line  from  the  Opposite  Flank  to  the  Preceding — To  Break 

oflE  in  Single-File 58 

To  Break  off  by  Twos 60 

MOVEJIENTS   IN   Two   SECTIONS 64 

Right  and  Left  Movements 06 

To  Change  Directions  from  the  Center  or  from  the  Wall — To  Oblique     .  66 

To  Circle  at  either  End  of  the  Ring  in  either  Direction     ....  68 

Movements  in  Two  Sections  on  the  Same  Hand 78 

The  Grand  Chain — The  Serpentine 80 

Movements  on  the  Center  Circle 86 

To  Form  Line .  100 

The  Grand  Chain 104 

Movements  in  Four  Sections 104 

Tandem-Riding 124 

Tandem  for  Eight  Riders 126 

Tandem  for  Twelve  Riders 128 

Jumping 132 

High-School  and  other  Forms  oe  Fancy  Riding          ....  138 

Games 134 

Instruction 136 

Road-Riding  in  Class 139 


LIST   OF   PLATES. 


PLATES  PAGE 

1.  Single  File  at  the  Wall 25 

2.  Large  Circle  and  Quarter-Circle 25 

3.  The  Change 25 

4.  The  Half-School 25 

5.  The  Center 27 

6.  The  Quarter-Circle  Change 27 

7.  The  Large  Circle  Change 27 

8.  The  Center  Circle 27 

9.  The  Spiral      , 29 

10.  The  Right  Turn 31 

11.  The  Oblique 31 

12.  13.  The  Right  About 31 

14.  The  Small  Circle  at  the  Wall 33 

15.  The  Small  Circle  in  the  Ring 33 

16.  The'  Oblique  Change 33 

17.  The  Oblique  and  Small  Circle 33 

18.  Forming  Twos .37 

19.  Breaking  off  from  Twos 37 

20.  Forming  Fours 37 

21.  Breaking  off  from  Fours 37 

22.  Forming  Twos  simultaneously 39 

23.  The  Right  Turn  by  Twos 39 

24.  Forming  Threes 39 

25.  Forming  Threes  from  Twos 39 

26.  Single  File  from  Twos 41 

27.  Single  File  from  Twos,  inside 41 

28.  Single  File  from  Threes 41 

29.  Single  File  from  Threes,  inside 41 

30.  31.  Forming  Line 45 

32.  Forming  Line  on  the  Circle 45 

33.  Breaking  off  in  Single  File 45 

.14,  85.  Forming  Line  from  Sixes 47 


10 


RING-BIDmO. 


PLATES 

36,  37.  Forming  Line  from  Fours 

38.  Forming  Fours  from  Twos    . 

39.  Breaking  off  by  Twos  frcm  Fours 

40.  The  Right  About  by  Fours   . 

41.  The  Right  About  by  Fours,  in  the  Ring 

42.  The  Circle  by  Fours 

43.  The  Right  Oblique  by  Fours 

44.  45.  The  Single  File  by  Fours 

46.  Turning  Corners    . 

47.  Circling  in  Line 

48.  Turning  a  Corner  . 

49.  Turning  with  Pivot  in  the  Line 

50.  Changing  in  Oblique  Form    . 

51.  Changing  in  the  ordinary  way 

52.  On  Right  in  Line  . 

53.  Right  into  Line 

54.  Single  File  Right  . 

55.  Twos  Right    .... 

56.  Fours  forward  from  the  Right 

57.  Twos  from  the  Center    . 

58.  The  Pyramid,  from  the  Center 

59.  The  Pyramid,  from  the  Flanks 

60.  61.  By  Twos  from  the  Pyramid 

62.  By  Fours  Inclined  . 

63.  Single  File  Inclined 

64.  65.  Tableau  from  the  Incline 

66.  Two  Sections  by  Circling 

67.  Two  Sections  through  Half-School 

68.  Two  Sections  through  Center 

69.  Two  Sections  by  Changing    . 

70.  Right  and  Left  Change 

71.  72.  Right  and  Left  Oblique  . 

73.  Right  and  Left  Circle    . 

74.  Right  and  Left  Small  Circle . 

75.  Right  and  Left  Turn     . 

76.  Right  and  Left  Turn  and  Circle 

77.  Right  and  Left  Turn  to  the  Wall 

78.  Right  and  Left  Form  Twos  . 

79.  Right  and  Left  Form  Fours,  Center 

80.  Right  and  Left  Form  Line    . 

81.  Right  and  Left  Form  Line,  Center 

82.  Right  and  Left  Single  File    . 

83.  Right  and  Left  Single  File  from  Circle 


FAOK 

47 
49 
49 
49 
49 
49 
49 
49 
55 
55 
55 
55 
57 
57 
57 
57 
59 
59 
59 
59 
61 
61 
61 
63 
63 
63 
65 
65 
65 
65 
67 
67 
67 
69 
69 
69 
69 
71 
71 
71 
71 
73 
73 


LIST  OF  PLATES. 


11 


PLATES 

84.  Right  and  Left  Single  File  to  Center 

85.  Right  and  Left  Retire . 

86.  Alternate  Changing  Across . 

87.  Alternate  Double  Column  Center 

88.  Alternate  Oblique  Across     . 

89.  Alternate  Turn  Across 

90.  Alternate  Small  Circle  Across 
9L  Alternate  Turn  into  Column 

92.  Right  and  Left  About  to  the  Wall 

93.  Double  Column  Center 

94.  Forming  Line  from  the  Center    . 

95.  Forming  Line  on  the  Right  and  Left 

96.  Two  Ranks  Circling  Right  and  Left 

97.  Two  Columns  Changing 

98.  Two  Columns  Right  Turn  Through 

99.  Two  Columns  Right  Turn  to  Wall 

100.  Two  Columns  Small  Circle  . 

101.  The  Grand  Chain .... 
103.  The  Serpentine     .... 

103.  The  Change  and  Circle 

104.  The  Change  and  Circle  at  Half-School 

105.  106.  The  Half-School  and  Circle  . 
107,  108.  Forming  Line  and  Circling  . 
109,  110.  Breaking  off  in  Single-file  from  Circle 
111,  112.  Two  Columns  Changing,  Passing  Through 

113.  Two  Columns  going  on  Center  Circle  . 

114.  From  Line  in  Two  Sections  on  to  Circle     . 
115-121.  Movements  on  Center  Circle 

122,  123.  Movements  in  Four  Sections 

124.  Reforming  Line  to  Opposite  Flank 

125.  Double  Column  Passing  from  Rear  to  Front 

126.  Cross-Figure 

127.  In  Column  from  Cross-Figure 

128.  Twos  Right  Turn  from  Two  Ranks     . 

129.  Threes  Right  Turn  front  Two  Ranks  . 

130.  Sixes  from  Columns  of  Threes     . 

131.  Single  Column  from  Two  Columns 

132.  133.  Complete  Figures  for  a  Large  Class     . 

134.  Complete  Figure  for  a  Small  Class 

135.  Complete  Figure  for  a  Large  Class 
136-138.  Complete  Figures  for  Sixteen  Riders   . 
139,  140.  Tandem  Figure  for  Eight  Riders 
141,  142.  Tandem  Figure  for  Twelve  Riders 


91,  93,  95, 


PAGE 

.   73 

73 

75 

75 

75 

75 

77 

77 

77 

77 

79 

70 

79 

79 

81 

81 

81 

81 

83 

85 

85 

85 

87 

87 

89 

89 

89 

,  97,  99,  101,  103 

.  105,107 

.  109 

.  109 

.  109 

.  109 

.  Ill 

.  Ill 

.  Ill 

.  Ill 

.  113,  115 

.  116 

.  117 

.   119,  121,  123 

.  125,  127 

.  12 

9,131 

RING-RIDING. 


Ring-riding,  without  doubt,  becomes  monotonous  to  the 
regular  rider  as  well  as  to  his  horse,  and  both  are  glad  when, 
in  the  spring,  pleasant  weather  arrives  and  outdoor  riding 
may  be  again  indulged  in,  especially  as  we  are  not  all  so 
constituted  as  to  be  able  to  go  out  in  all  kinds  of  weather 
during  the  winter.  Ring-riding  can,  however,  be  made  en- 
durable, and  the  hour  of  exercise  be  passed  quickly  and 
agreeably  by  forming  in  classes  and  executing  a  variety  of 
manoeuvres.  Such  manoeuvres  also  tend  to  improve  the 
rider's  seat  in  the  saddle  and  his  control  of  the  horse.  In 
executing  the  various  movements  the  rider's  mind  is  kept  on 
the  alert,  his  hands  and  legs  kept  busy  guiding  and  control- 
ling his  horse,  and  the  horse  himself  becomes  more  supple 
and  responds  more  quickly  to  the  call  of  reins  and  legs. 

Movements  on  straight  lines,  parallel  with  or  at  various 
angles  to  the  sides  of  the  ring,  and  in  circles  of  various  diam- 
eters, or  parts  thereof,  are  the  foundation  of  all  figures,  and 
endless  is  the  variety  of  combinations  that  can  be  made.  It 
should  be  a  pleasant  duty  of  the  riding-master  to  formulate 
new  combinations,  both  for  practice  and  exhibition  riding. 
For  practice,  any  and  all  movements  should  be  tried,  and 
there  is  no  necessity  for  any  regular  succession  of  move- 
ments ;  for  exhibition  riding  the  figures  should  be  carefully 
designed  for  efi'ect,  they  should  look  well  to  the  spectator, 
and  there  should  be  a  continuous  changing  from  one  move- 
ment of  the  figure  into  another ;  no  long  riding  around  the 
ring  between  the  movements,  and  as  few  repetitions  as  pos- 


14  RING-RIDING. 


sible.  The  simplest  movements  look  well  if  well  executed 
and  properly  combined,  while  most  difficult  ones  are  only 
appreciated  by  the  expert. 

The  object  of  this  book  is  to  give,  in  a  convenient  form 
for  reference,  a  number  of  movements  which  can  be  com- 
bined in  various  ways,  and  may  lead  to  the  suggestion  of 
others,  together  with  a  system  of  commands  suitable  for 
ring-riding,  and  some  general  instruction  and  explanation. 

The  movements  will  all  be  given  and  explained  as  on  the 
right  hand ;  it  being  only  necessary  to  substitute  the  word 
left  for  right  to  explain  the  movement  on  the  left  hand.  The 
commands  will  be  given  for  both. 


GENERAL  RULES. 

Except  when  the  class  is  riding  at  a  walk,  to  rest  the 
horses,  the  gait,  whether  a  walk,  trot,  or  gallop,  should  be 
quick  and  animated,  but  regular  and  not  too  fast ;  the  horses 
should  be  kept  well  collected  and  quick  in  their  actions,  but 
the  speed  should  never  be  greater  than  necessary.  There 
should  be  a  certain  decision  (snap)  in  the  gait  as  well  as  in 
the  execution  of  the  different  movements,  but  a  rushing,  dis- 
connected gait  should  be  carefully  avoided. 

When  the  class  is  in  line  or  in  column  of  twos  or  more, 
and  it  being  necessary  for  the  outside  flank  to  increase  its 
gait  while  turning,  the  outside  flank  riders  must  be  careful 
to  resume  the  regular  gait  again  as  soon  as  the  straight 
line  is  resumed. 

In  starting  from  a  halt  or  walk  into  a  trot  or  gallop,  at 
the  command  March,  each  rider  must  start  his  horse  at  the 
same  instant ;  he  must  not  wait  till  the  rider  ahead  or  along- 
side has  started,  but  must  at  once  put  his  own  horse  into 
motion  or  increased  action  on  hearing  the  command.  The 
change  of  gait  should  be  gradual  but  simultaneous,  other- 


GENERAL  RULES.  15 


wise  different  riders  will  lose  their  positions,  and  an  even 
gait  is  not  attained  for  some  time. 

At  every  preparatory  command  each  rider  should  gather 
his  horse,  without  any  change  in  the  gait,  in  preparation  for 
the  movement  to  be  executed. 

Unless  otherwise  instructed,  the  reins  should  be  held  in 
both  hands,  the  two  curb-reins  and  the  left  snaffle-rein  in 
the  left  hand,  and  the  right  snaffle-rein  in  the  right  hand. 

COMMANDS. 

Commands  are  of  two  kinds  :  the  preparatory  command, 
which  should  clearly  indicate  the  movement  that  is  to  be 
executed;  the  command  of  execution— a,s  March  or  Halt. 
The  tone  of  command  should  be  animated  and  distinct,  and 
loud  enough  to  be  heard  by  every  rider  in  the  class.  The 
preparatory  command  should  always  be  given  in  time  to  be 
properly  understood,  and  distinctly  separate  from  the  com- 
mand of  execution. 

GUIDING. 

In  single  file  the  leading  rider  is  the  guide  and  is  respon- 
sible for  the  gait,  which  must  be  uniform  and  regular, 
whether  walk,  trot,  or  gallop. 

When  in  line  at  the  wall  the  outside  flank  rider  is  the 
guide  and  sets  the  pace. 

When  the  class  is  in  column  of  twos  or  more,  the  outside 
flank  rider  of  each  rank  is  the  guide  for  such  rank ;  and  he  of 
the  first  sets  the  pace,  while  the  others  hold  their  positions 
according  to  his. 

On  the  circle,  and  with  the  riders  at  equal  distances  around 
the  same,  number  one  is  the  guide  and  sets  the  pace.  To 
promote  uniformity  of  positions,  the  leader  of  the  second 
section  (number  seven,  with  twelve  riders,  or  number  nine, 
with  sixteen)  must  hold  his  position  on  the  circle  directly 
opposite  number  one. 

When  in  two  sections  at  opposite  sides  of  the  ring,  the 
leader  of  the  first  section  sets  the  pace,  and  the  other  section 


16  RING-RIDING. 


holds  its  position  and  regulates  its  gate  accordingly.  The 
same  rule  applies  with  more  than  two  sections. 

Special  directions  for  guiding  will  be  given,  as  required, 
for  the  diiferent  movements. 

The  class  being  in  irregular  line,  or  just  forming  in  line, 
and  commanded  to  dress  right  or  left,  each  rider  will  move 
only  so  far  to  the  side  indicated  in  the  command  as  to  lightly 
touch  boots  with  the  rider  on  that  side,  and  move  forward  or 
backward  so  as  to  be  in  line.  There  must  be  no  pressing  in 
that  direction,  and  each  rider  must  retain  sufficient  room  for 
freedom  of  action. 

DIRECTION. 

While  going  around  the  ring  at  the  wall  all  changes  of 
direction  are  made  toward  the  center  of  the  ring:  going 
around  the  ring  with  the  right  hand  toward  the  center  is 
going  "  on  the  right  hand,"  and,  with  the  left  hand  toward 
the  center,  "  on  the  left  hand." 

MOUNTING. 

The  horses  having  been  brought  to  any  desired  position 
in  the  ring,  each  rider  standing  on  the  left  side  of  his  horse, 
the  instructor  will  command : 

1.  Prepare  to  mount,  2.  Mount. 

At  the  first  command  each  rider  will  (1)  pass  the  curb- 
reins  between  the  third  and  fourth  fingers  and  second  and 
third  fingers  of  the  left  hand  respectively,  the  right  snaffle- 
rein  between  the  first  and  second  fingers  and  the  left  snaffle- 
rein  through  the  hand,  throwing  all  four  reins  over  the 
horse's  neck  ;  (2)  twist  a  lock  of  the  mane  around  the  thumb 
of  the  left  hand.  The  reins  must  be  drawn  sufficiently  to 
make  the  horse  feel  the  bit. 

At  the  command  Mount,  (1)  each  rider  will  put  the  left 
foot  one  third  into  the  stirrup,  grasp  the  saddle  with  the 
right  hand,  and,  springing  lightly  from  the  right  foot,  lift 
himself  straight  up ;  (2)  pass  the  right  leg,  extended,  over 
the  croup  of  the  horse  without  touching,  sit  down  gently 


GENERAL  RULES.  17 


in  the  saddle  ;  let  go  the  mane,  put  the  right  foot  into 
the  stirrup,  and  take  the  right  suaffie-rein  in  the  right 
hand. 

While  mounting,  the  horse  should  stand  quietly,  without 
being  held  by  a  groom.  If  he  will  not  do  so — when  passing 
the  reins  through  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand  just  before 
mounting — draw  the  right  snafiie-rein  tightly,  and  so  that 
the  horse's  head  will  be  drawn  around  as  much  as  may  be 
necessary ;  this  will  prevent  his  moving  forward,  while  the 
inclination  to  turn  around  to  the  right  will  be  hindered  by 
your  position,  both  before  and  while  mounting. 

POSITION   IN   THE   SADDLE. 

Sit  well  down  in  the  saddle,  with  the  stirrups  as  long  as 
possible  without  losing  the  hold  or  grip  of  the  horse  with 
the  legs.  Keep  the  legs  close  to  the  horse's  sides,  grasping 
the  saddle  firmly  with  the  thighs  and  knees,  while  the  legs 
below  the  knees  should  hang  straight  up  and  down.  Sit 
erect,  with  chest  thrown  out  and  shoulders  back,  elbows 
close  to  your  sides  and  hands  low.  The  feet  should  be  paral- 
lel with  the  horse's  sides  and  the  heels  down ;  the  toes  should 
never  point  outward,  except  when  in  the  act  of  spurring  the 
horse. 

While  the  legs  must  always  retain  their  position  during 
any  movements  of  the  horse,  the  body  should  freely  move 
back  and  forth  to  retain  its  perpendicular  position. 

The  wrists  should  be  flexible,  and  control  of  the  reins 
should  be  restricted  to  movements  of  the  hands  and  the  fore- 
arms, the  elbows  being  held  immovably,  but  not  stiffly,  to 
the  sides. 

A  concise  and  easily-remembered  rule  for  the  rider;,  in 
reference  to  the  seat  in  the  saddle,  is  contained  in  the  follow- 
ing old  verse : 

"  Your  head  and  your  heart  keep  boldly  up. 
Your  hands  and  your  heels  keep  down ; 
Your  knees  keep  close  to  your  horse's  sides. 
Your  elbows  keep  close  to  your  own." 
2 


18  RING-EIDIKG. 


DISMOUNTING. 

The  class  being  in  line,  to  dismount  with  the  riders  at  in- 
tervals in  two  ranks,  command : 

1.  Even  (or  odd)  numbers  forward,  2.  March. 
8.  Attention,  4.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command  the  even  (or  odd)  numbers  ride 
forward,  and  at  the  fourth  command  halt.  While  moving 
forward  they  will  guide  by  the  right  or  leading  flank  and 
keep  in  line. 

Having  thus  placed  the  riders  in  the  desired  position  in 
the  ring,  command : 

1.  Prepare  to  dismount,  2.  Dismount. 

At  the  first  command  each  rider  will  draw  the  reins  up 
into  the  left  hand  and  grasj)  the  mane  of  the  horse  in  the 
same  hand.  At  the  second  command  he  will  rise  in  the  left 
stirrup,  pass  the  right  leg  over  the  croup  of  the  horse,  and, 
grasping  the  saddle  with  the  right  hand,  let  himself  down 
gently  to  the  ground. 

Having  dismounted,  take  hold  of  the  reins  behind  the  bit 
with  the  right  hand. 

USE   OF   REINS   AND   LEGS. 

The  reins  are  intended  to  guide  and  halt  the  horse,  and, 
in  connection  with  the  legs,  to  prepare  him  for  the  move- 
ments ;  their  action  should  be  gradual  and  in  harmony  with 
that  of  the  legs.  The  hands  should  be  steady  and  light,  so 
as  not  to  worry  the  horse  and  harden  his  mouth. 

The  legs  serve  to  urge  the  horse  forward,  to  support  him, 
and  to  guide  him  in  executing  changes  of  direction  and  of 
gait.  When  lightly  pressed,  they  steady  him  in  his  position ; 
with  decided  pressure,  they  tend  to  move  him  forward. 
Pressure  exerted  with  one  leg  only  tends  to  move  the  horse 
sideways  in  the  direction  of  the  pressure,  so  that  with  the 
proper  guiding  by  the  reins  and  appropriate  pressure  of 
the  legs,  he  can  be  made  to  go  sideways  at  any  desired  an- 


GENERAL  RULES.  19 


g\e,  or  to  turn  on  his  fore  or  hind  quarters  in  any  direc- 
tion. 

To  gather  the  horse,  close  both  legs  equally  and  draw  the 
reins  until  the  horse  feels  the  bit  and  gives  his  head,  when 
he  will  commence  champing  his  bit.  This  serves  to  attract 
his  attention  and  to  bring  his  hind-quarters  under  him,  pre- 
paring him  for  the  movement,  enabling  the  rider  to  control 
the  execution  of  such  movement,  and  preventing  its  being 
too  abrupt  or  too  slow. 

Too  much  stress  can  not  be  put  on  the  importance  of 
using  the  legs  in  connection  with  the  reins,  in  controlling 
and  guiding  the  horse.  The  different  positions  and  press- 
ures of  the  legs,  needed  for  different  effects,  should  be  so  well 
studied  and  practiced  as  to  become  a  matter  of  habit. 

A  horse,  when  fully  collected,  assumes  what  is  known  as 
"  the  artificial  balance,"  and  when  kept  so  during  a  ride  need 
not  be  further  collected  or  prepared  for  any  change  in  direc- 
tion or  gait.  A  horse  that  is  highly  trained  and  fully  col- 
lected is  in  perfect  sympathy  with  his  rider,  and  responds 
instantly  to  any  impulse,  however  slight,  communicated  by 
the  reins  or  legs. 

COUNTING. 

The  members  of  the  class  either  receive  their  numbers  in 
line  before  mounting,  or,  being  mounted  and  in  line,  they 
should  be  ordered  to  count  off  by  ones. 

Further  counting  should  not  be  necessary,  as  a  slight 
mental  exertion  will  tell  each  rider  where  he  belongs^  if  or- 
dered to  form  by  twos,  threes,  fours,  or  more,  and  the  rider 
is  likely  to  forget  his  number  if  given  several,  counting  off 
by  twos,  threes,  and  fours  as  well. 

Remember  that  the  odd  numbers  are  all  ones  and  the 
even  numbers  all  twos. 

WHIP   AND   SPURS. 

The  whip  is  an  instrument  of  punishment  that  is  hardly 
needed,  when  wearing  spurs,  in  ordinary  ring-riding. 


20  RING-RTDrnG. 


The  spurs  are  used  to  punish,  the  horse  when  he  refuses 
to  obey  the  pressure  of  the  legs.  They  must  be  used  prompt- 
ly and  vigorously  at  the  moment  the  horse  commits  the 
fault.     They  must  not  be  used  unless  necessary. 

TO  WALK. 

To  start  into  a  walk,  the  class  being  at  a  halt,  the  in- 
structor will  command : 

1.  Forivard,  2.  March. 

At  the  first  command  collect  the  horse.  At  the  second 
command  lower  the  hands  slightly  and  close  both  legs  equal- 
ly, increasing  their  pressure  until  the  horse  moves  forward, 
when  the  hands  can  be  gradually  replaced  and  the  pressure 
of  the  legs  relaxed. 

Keep  the  horse  moving  briskly  and  with  his  head  well  up 
and  collected. 

TO   HALT. 

To  halt  the  class  from  a  walk,  trot,  or  gallop,  the  in- 
structor will  command : 

1.  Attention^  2.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  prepare  the  horse  without  slacken- 
ing the  gait  or  losing  position.  At  the  command  Halt,  lean 
well  back  in  the  saddle,  thus  drawing  the  reins,  let  the  move- 
ment be  gradual  until  the  horse  obeys,  holding  both  legs 
close,  to  keep  him  straight  and  prevent  him  from  backing ; 
then  gradually  relax  the  pressure  of  the  legs  and  reins. 

The  halt  should  be  executed  in  an  equal  distance  by  each 
rider,  after  hearing  the  command  Halt.  If  the  horse  is 
properly  collected,  it  should  be  done  in  a  distance  of  about 
three  feet.  This  is  necessary,  in  order  to  preserve  the  proper 
distances  in  column  or  positions  in  line,  which  should  never 
be  lost.^ 

TO   REIN  BACK. 

The  class  being  at  a  halt,  to  move  backward  the  instruct- 
or will  command : 


GENERAL  RULES.  21 


1.  Backward,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  slowly  close  botli  legs  equally 
and  draw  the  reins  until  the  horse  steps  backward,  then  re- 
place the  hands.     Continue  the  movements  of  reins  and  legs 
until  the  instructor  commands : 
1.  Attention,  2.  Halt. 

Should  the  horse  while  backing  move  his  croup  to  either 
side,  press  with  the  leg  on  that  side,  and,  if  necessary,  assist 
with  the  reins  to  keep  him  straight. 

If  the  class  is  in  line,  be  careful  to  preserve  the  same 
while  backing,  and  guide  by  the  right  or  leading  flank. 

TROTTING. 

To  start  into  a  trot  from  a  halt,  command : 
1.  Forward,  2.  Trot,  3.  March. 

At  the  command  Forward,  prepare  the  horse  by  gather- 
ing him,  but  without  moving  from  position.  At  the  com- 
mand March,  lower  the  hands  slightly  and  press  both  legs 
until  the  horse  steps  forward  into  the  trot,  when  the  hands 
can  be  replaced  and  the  pressure  of  the  legs  relaxed.  Start 
slowly  and  increase  the  gait  gradually  until  as  fast  as  de- 
sired. 

The  command  Trot  should  be  given  in  the  same  tone  of 
voice  as  the  first  command,  which  it  should  follow  quickly — 
although  being  distinct  from  it.  If  given  in  too  loud  a  tone, 
it  may  be  taken  as  the  command  of  execution  by  some  of 
the  riders. 

To  start  into  a  trot  from  a  walk,  command : 
1.  Trot,  2.  March. 

Gather  the  horse  at  the  first  command  and  start  slowly 
into  the  trot  at  the  command  March. 

GALLOPING. 

To  start  into  a  gallop  from  a  walk,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 


22  EING-RIDIKG. 


1.  Gallop,  2.  March. 

Gather  the  horse  at  the  command  Gallop,  keeping  his 
head  turned  slightly  to  the  right,  so  that  you  can  just  see 
the  gleam  of  his  eye.  At  the  command  March  close  both 
legs,  the  left  with  greater  pressure  and  behind  the  girth ;  at 
the  same  moment  draw  the  left  rein  and  relax  the  right, 
which  will  have  the  effect  of  holding  back  the  left  shoulder, 
thus  giving  the  right  shoulder  the  necessary  freedom  to 
move  in  advance.  When  the  horse  obeys  and  moves  for- 
ward in  the  gallop,  keep  his  head  inclined  to  the  right. 

Keep  the  hands  light,  that  the  gallop  may  be  free  and 
regular,  and  the  legs  close,  to  keep  him  at  the  gait  and  well 
collected.  Start  slowly  and  increase  the  gait  gradually  to 
the  desired  speed. 

To  start  into  the  gallop  from  a  halt,  command  : 
1.  Forward,  2.  Gallop,  3.  March. 

At  the  command  March  the  class  will  start  directly  into 
the  gallop,  as  explained  above. 

To  charge  through  the  ring  in  line  at  a  gallop,  the  class 
being  drawn  up  in  line  at  one  end  of  the  ring,  the  instructor 
will  command : 

1.  Forward,  2.  Charge,  3.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  start  slowly  into  the  gallop, 
gradually  but  quickly  increasing  the  speed  until,  on  ap- 
proaching the  other  end  of  the  ring,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Attention,  2.  Halt. 

The  line  should  be  carefully  preserved  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end  of  the  movement.  Guide,  according  to  in- 
structions, to  the  center  or  either  flank. 

The  gallop  should  only  be  started  from  a  walk  or  a  halt. 
Starting  from  a  trot  inclines  to  make  the  horse  easily  break 
into  the  gallop  when  pressed  forward  while  at  a  trot. 

The  horse  should  alwaj'^s  be  made  to  gallop  true.  He 
gallops  "  true  "  when  he  gallops  on  the  "  right  foot "  in  going 
on  the  right  hand,  or  on  the  "  left  foot "  in  going  on  the  left 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE.  23 

hand  ;  he  gallops  "  false  "  when  the  opposite  is  the  case.  He 
gallops  on  the  "  right  foot "  when  the  fore  and  hind  right 
feet  move  in  advance  of  the  left  fore  and  hind  feet,  and  on 
the  "  left  foot "  when  the  left  feet  move  in  advance. 

The  horse  is  "  disunited  "  when  the  fore  and  hind  feet  do 
not  move  in  unison.  When  galloping  on  the  right  foot  the 
horse's  fore-quarters  are  inclined  to  the  left,  the  left  hind 
hoof -marks  coming  in  line  with  the  right  fore  hoof -marks ; 
when  on  the  left  foot,  his  position  is  inclined  to  the  right. 
When  the  horse  is  "  disunited,"  the  rider  will  or  should  at 
once  notice  the  irregular  movements  of  the  feet  and  body  of 
the  horse 

To  change  a  gallop  from  one  foot  to  the  other,  hold  the 
horse  back  for  a  moment  and  start  on  the  other  hand,  in  the 
manner  explained  for  starting  into  the  gallop.  In  changing 
direction  while  at  a  gallop  in  file,  the  change  from  one  foot 
to  the  other  should  be  executed  at  the  same  point  by  each 
rider  in  succession.  The  best  place  to  do  this  is  at  the  oppo- 
site wall,  as  the  turn  on  to  the  other  hand  is  made. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 

Plate  1. — The  class  having  mounted  in  the  ring,  or  en- 
tered the  ring  already  mounted,  and  having  passed  to  the 
wall  in  single  file  at  any  prescribed  gait,  the  course  around 
the  ring  is  kept,  and  the  corners  are  turned  without  com- 
mand. The  leader  must  be  careful  to  keep  up  an  even  gait, 
while  the  rest  preserve  their  distances,  recovering  them  by 
degrees  when  lost.  Just  before  reaching  a  corner,  each 
rider  must  collect  his  horse  to  execute  the  turn  correctly,  in 
the  manner  explained  further  on,  being  careful  to  ride  well 
into  the  corner  and  not  turn  on  too  large  a  circle. 

The  regular  distance  from  the  wall  should  be  carefully 
maintained  by  each  rider.     If  the  horse  is  inclined  to  keep 


24  RING-RIDINa. 


too  far  off,  press  him  over  with  the  inside  leg  and  drawing 
the  outside  rein  if  necessary. 

THE   QUARTER-CIRCLE. 

Plate  2  a. — This  is  executed  in  any  one  of  the  four  cor- 
ners of  the  ring.  After  the  leader  has  turned  one  of  the  cor- 
ners, the  instructor  will  command : 
■  1.  Quarter-Circle,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leader  will  leave  the  wall 
and  ride  on  a  circle  of  a  diameter  of  about  one  half  the  width 
of  the  ring,  the  rest  following  in  file. 

the  large  circle. 

Plate  2b. — This  is  executed  at  either  end  of  the  ring. 
After  the  leader  has  entered  on  one  of  the  sides,  the  instruct- 
or will  command : 

1.  Large  Circle,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  column  will  leave  the  wall 
and  ride  on  a  circle  of  the  diameter  of  the  width  of  the  ring. 

the  half-school. 

Plate  Jf. — As  the  leader  arrives  at  the  middle  of  either  of 
the  long  sides,  command : 

1.  Half-school,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  column  will  make  a  right 
turn,  and,  going  straight  across  the  ring,  on  arriving 
at  the  other  side,  again  make  a  right  turn.  Or  com- 
mand : 

1.  Column  right  (or  left),  2.  March  ; 
repeating  the  command  as  the  column  arrives  at  the  oppo- 
site wall. 

changing  hands  or  direction. 

This  is  done  in  a  number  of  ways,  as  the  following  nine 
examples  will  show : 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 


25 


26  RING-RIDING. 


I.  Plate  3. — After  the  column  has  just  entered  on  one  of 
the  long  sides,  command : 

1.  Change,  2.  March  ; 

when  the  column  will  leave  the  wall  and  cross  the  ring 
diagonally  to  the  opposite  side,  and  to  a  point  one  quarter 
from  the  other  end  of  the  ring. 

II.  Plate  Jf. — As  the  head  of  the  column  arrives  at  the 
middle  of  one  of  the  long  sides,  command  : 

1.  Column  rigid  (or  left),  2.  March  ; 
and,  as  the  column  arrives  at  the  opposite  wall, 

1.  Column  left  (or  right),  2.  March  ; 
or,  in  place  of  these,  command : 

1.  Half-school  Change,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  column  will  right  turn,  and  change  direction  at 
the  opposite  wall,  without  further  command. 

III.  Plate  5. — This  is  executed  in  the  same  manner  as 
Plate  4,  but  from  the  center  of  one  of  the  short  sides, 
through  the  middle  of  the  ring.  Use  either  the  com- 
mand : 

1.  Column  right  (or  left),  2.  March  ; 
or, 

1.  Center,  2.  March  ; 
and  as  the  column  reaches  the  other  end, 

1.  Column  left  (or  right),  2.  March. 

IV.  Plate  7.— The  class  being  on  the  large  circle,  com- 
mand : 

1.  On  the  circle  Change,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  column  makes  a  right  turn,  and,  crossing  to  the 
other  side  of  the  circle,  a  left  turn,  keeping  on  the  circle. 

V.  Plate  5.— The  class  executing  a  quarter-circle  in  one 
of  the  corners,  and  just  approaching  or  leaving  the  short 
side,  command: 

1.  Change,  2.  March  ; 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 


27 


28  RING-EIDINO. 


when  the  column  will  lead  on  to  the  quarter-circle  on  the 
other  side  of  the  ring,  as  shown. 

VI.  Plate  10. — The  last  of  the  column  having  entered  on 
one  of  the  long  sides,  command  : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  rider  will  execute  a  right 
turn,  guiding  by  the  lead,  and  cross  the  ring  in  line,  guiding 
by  the  right  flank.     As  the  line  arrives  at  the  opposite  side, 
command : 

1.  Left,  (or  right)  turn,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  left  turn,  and  the  class  thus 
go  to  the  wall  in  single  file  again. 

VII.  Plate  11. — As  the  last  of  the  column  enters  on  one 
of  the  long  sides,  command : 

1.  Righi  (or  left)  oblique,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  half -turn  to  the  right,  and, 
guiding  by  the  lead,  cross  the  ring  diagonally  to  the  other 
side.     The  line  must  be  kept  parallel  with  the  long  sides  of 
the  ring. 

VIII.  Plate  16. — Just  before  the  head  of  the  column  is 
about  to  go  on  to  one  of  the  short  sides,  command  : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  about,  oblique,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  turn  on  a  small  circle,  and,  going  on 
the  left  oblique,  cross  to  the  other  side.     Before  the  line 
arrives  too  near  the  wall,  command  : 

1.  Left  (or  right)  turn,  2.  March  ; 
when  all  will  turn  on  a  small  circle  to  the  left  to  the  wall. 

the  spiral. 

IX.  Plate  9. — This  movement  is  only  adapted  for  a  large 
class,  and  is  useful  as  a  movement  between  trotting  evolu- 
tions, and  is  to  be  executed  at  a  walk.  On  arriving  at  the 
half -school,  the  column  will  lead  on  to  a  large  circle,  and 
with  every  turn  decrease  the  diameter  until,  the  circle  being 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 


29 


/  /  /■' 


'-      ^     ,-;j^    1=^    Crj.  '«v     ■.      ' 

^     ^   ^    ^  %  S  ^ 


/ 


\    1^    ^^ 


^ 


^ 


I 


30  RING-RIDING. 


small  enough,  the  column  executes  a  right  turn  and  then  a 
left  turn,  and,  passing  in  between  the  following  riders,  goes 
on  the  spiral  on  the  other  hand,  as  shown.  Each  rider  must 
be  careful  to  execute  the  turns  at  exactly  the  same  spots  as 
the  preceding  rider,  and  to  preserve  the  distance. 

THE   CENTER  CIRCLE. 

Plate  8. — To  bring  the  column  on  the  center  circle,  as  the 
head  of  the  column  reaches  the  half-school  on  either  side, 
command : 

1.  Center  circle,  2.  March. 
The  circle,  which  may  be  of  any  diameter,  as  directed  by  the 
instructor,  is  maintained  until  he  gives  the  command  : 

1.  Lead  to  the  icall,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  column  passes  to  the  wall. 

the  right  or  LEFT  TURN. 

Plate  10. — When  the  last  of  the  column  has  entered  on 
one  of  the  long  eides,  command  : 

1.  Riglit  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March,  {Guide  rigM  (or  left). 
At  the  command  March,  each  rider  will  turn  on  a  circle 
with  a  radius  of  about  six  feet,  and,  guiding  by  the  right 
flank,  go  straight  across  the  ring  in  line ;  while  turning, 
guide  by  the  lead.  The  riders  should  be  careful  to  preserve 
their  distances,  keeping  at  an  equal  distance  from  the  riders 
at  each  side,  which  distance  must  be  the  same  as  at  the  wall 
from  rider  to  rider. 

the  small  circle. 

Plate  IJf. — The  last  of  the  column  having  entered  on  one 
of  the  long  sides,  or  at  any  desired  position  around  the  ring, 
command : 

1.  Small  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  complete  circle,  with  a  diam- 
eter of   about  twelve  feet ;    the  first  quarter  of   the   circle 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 


31 


12 

a 

b 

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0  ..1 

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fl    8 

J    8 

•  i 

i 

13 


-cza -  zzz> ''. 

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^spg CZI>  •  — *  -  -■  * 


32  RING- RIDING. 


guide  by  the  lead,  the  next  half  by  the  other  end  of  the 
column,  and  the  last  quarter  by  the  lead  again.  Having 
executed  the  circle,  the  course  around  the  ring  is  resumed. 

THE   RIGHT   OR   LEFT   ABOUT. 

Plate  12  a. — The  column  being  in  any  position  around,  or 
going  through  the  ring,  command  : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  about,  2.  March. 
If  at  the  wall,  each  rider  will  rein  in  his  horse  at  the  com- 
mand March,  and,  turning  his  horse  on  the  center  and  on 
his  hind-feet,  go  again  to  the  wall,  and  resume  the  gait  on 
the  other  hand.  In  executing  this  movement  the  riders 
should  all  do  it  in  the  same  manner,  and  not  lose  their  dis- 
tances ;  if  distance  has  been  lost,  recover  the  same  gradually. 

Plates  12  h  and  13. — Going  through  the  ring,  the  "  about " 
will  be  executed  by  turning  a  half-circle  of  about  twelve  feet 
diameter.     Guide  by  the  flank  in  sight  while  turning. 

THE   SMALL   CIRCLE   IN   THE   RING. 

Plate  15. — The  class  passing  through  the  ring  in  single 
file,  or  crossing  the  ring  in  line  with  intervals,  command  : 

1.  Riglit  (or  left)  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  small  circle  in  the  direction 
indicated  by  the  command,  guiding,  as  explained  in  circling 
at  the  wall,  toAvard  the  flank  in  sight  at  each  quarter-turn. 

Plate  17. — The  class  crossing  the  ring  in  right  oblique, 
on  reaching  the  center  of  the  ring,  command : 

1.  Left  (or  riglit)  circle,  left  (or  right)  oblique,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  small  circle  to  the  left,  and  go 
forward  on  the  left  oblique  to  the  opposite  wall. 

To  execute  the  circle  in  the  opposite  direction,  as  the  line 
reaches  the  center  of  the  ring,  command : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  circle,  left  (or  right)  oblique,  2.  March. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE. 


33 


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34  EING-RIDING. 


TO  PASS  FROM  HEAD  TO  REAR  OF  COLUMN. 

The  class  being  in  single  file,  each  rider  to  pass  singly 
from  front  to  rear  of  column,  command : 

1.  First  file  retire.  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leading  rider  leaves  the  column 
by  a  right-about,  moves  parallel  with  the  column,  and  enters 
it  again  at  the  other  end  by  another  right-about. 

The  command  is  repeated  for  each  rider,  until  all  have 
executed  the  movement ;  or  command,  number  one,  number 
two,  etc.,  in  place  of  first  file. 

The  riders  to  pass  continuously  to  the  rear,  until  all  have 
passed,  command : 

1.  In  file  retire,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  turn  in  succession  without  further  com- 
mand, on  reaching  the  spot  the  leading  rider  started  the 
movement  from,  and  pass  to  the  rear. 

TO  PASS  FROM  REAR  TO  FRONT  OF  COLUMN. 

The  class  being  in  single  file,  each  rider  to  pass  singly 
from  rear  to  front  of  column,  command : 

1.  Last  file  from  rear  to  front,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  last  rider  leaves  the  column 
by  an  oblique,  increases  his  gait,  moves  paralled  to  the  col- 
umn, enters  on  the  lead  by  another  oblique,  and  resumes  the 
regular  gait.  The  command  is  repeated  for  each  rider,  or 
command  by  numbers,  until  all  have  passed. 
The  riders  to  pass  continuously,  command : 

1.  In  file  from  rear  to  fro7it,  2.  March; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  the  movement  in  succession, 
without  further  command,  until  all  have  passed. 

EVEN  AND   ODD   NUMBERS   TO   PASS   ALTERNATELY   AHEAD. 

The  class  being  in  single  file  at  the  wall,  command  : 
1.  Even  numbers  forward,  2.  March. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  SINGLE  FILE.  35 

At  the  command  March,  each  even  number  will  leave  the 
column  b}^  an  oblique,  and,  increasing  his  gait,  pass  the  rider 
ahead,  entering  the  column  again  by  an  oblique.  Then  com- 
mand: 

1.  Odd  numbers  forward,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  odd  numbers  will  execute  the  same  movement,  and 
thus  resume  their  original  positions  in  the  column. 

ODD    AND    EVEN    NUMBERS    TO    FALL    ALTERNATELY    BEHIND 

BY   CIRCLING. 

The  class  being  in  single  file  at  the  wall,  command : 
1.  Odd  numbers  circle,  2.  March, 
At  the  command  March,  each  odd  number  will  execute  a 
small  circle.  The  circle  being  turned  while  the  even  num- 
bers are  passing  forward  to  the  positions  vacated  by  the  odd 
numbers,  this  will  bring  the  odd  numbers  behind  those  even 
numbers  that  were  just  behind  them  before  they  circled. 
Then  command : 

1.  Even  numbers  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  even  numbers  will  execute  the  same  movement, 
and  thus   resume  their   original  positions   in  the  column. 
(See  Plate  Hoc.) 


TO  FORM  IN  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,  THREES,  Etc. 

The  class  being  in  single  file  at  the  wall,  command : 

1.  Form  tivos,  2.  March. 
There  are  two  ways  of  forming  into  column  of  hvos, 
threes,  fours,  etc.,  from  single  file  or  more. 

FORMING   UP   IN   SUCCESSION. 

Plate  18. — To   form  twos  in  this  manner,  at  the   com- 
mand March,  the  lead  will  slacken  the  gait,  while  the  rest 


36  RING-rJDING. 


increase  theirs ;  number  two  in  column  leaves  the  wall  by 
an  oblique,  and  forms  up  to  number  one.  When  the  first 
two  are  almost  formed,  number  four  goes  forward  and  forms 
beside  number  three  ;  then  the  next  two  in  succession,  until 
all  have  formed,  when  the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed. 

FORMING   SIMULTANEOUSLY. 

Plate  22. — To  form  twos  in  this  manner,  at  the  com- 
mand March,  the  lead  slackens  the  gait,  while  the  rest  in- 
crease theirs ;  every  number  two  or  even  number  leaves  the 
wall  at  the  same  moment,  and  forms  beside  the  number  one 
or  odd  number  ahead.  The  regular  gait  will  be  resumed 
when  the  proper  distances  have  been  regained. 

These  two  ways  hold  good  for  all  formations  at  the  wall. 
When  in  single  file  or  in  column  of  twos,  to  form  in  in- 
creased numbers,  it  is  best  to  form  up  in  succession,  and  not 
simultaneously,  on  account  of  the  great  distance  to  be  cov- 
ered by  the  last  riders ;  in  the  latter  way  the  distances  are 
not  recovered  quickly,  nor  are  they  kept  uniform  while 
forming. 

Forming  in  increased  numbers  from  column  of  fours  or 
more  the  movement  can  be  simultaneous,  as  the  distance 
between  the  ranks  becomes  larger  the  more  there  are  in 
each  rank  ;  the  ranks  forming  up  need  gain  but  little 
ground,  and  the  lead  slacken  the  gait  but  for  a  moment. 

TO   FORM   COLUMN   OF   THREES   FROM   COLUMN   OF   TWOS. 

Plate  25, — The  class  being  in  column  of  twos  at  the  wall, 
command : 

1.  Form  threes,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  lead  slackens  the  gait,  the  out- 
side flank  rider  of  the  second  two  forms  up  to  the  leading 
two  on  the  inside,  the  inside  rider  meanwhile  going  to  the 
wall ;  the  third  two  then  form  up  to  him.  The  fourth,  fifth, 
and  sixth  twos  execute  the  movement  in  the  same  manner. 


TO  FORM  IN   COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.        37 


38  EING-RIDING. 


TO   FORM   THREES. 

Plate  2^. — The  class  being  in  single  file  at  the  wall,  com- 
mand : 

1.  Form  threes,  2.  March. 
This  is  executed  in  the  same  manner  as  explained  for  form- 
ing column  of  twos. 

TO   FORM  FOURS. 

Plate  20. — The  class  being  in  single  file ;  or, 

Plate  38. — In  column  of  twos,  command : 
1.  Form  fours,  2.  March. 
From  single  file,  numbers  two,  three,  and  four  of  each  four 
will  leave  the  column  by  an  oblique,  each  at  an  increased 
angle  to  the  one  preceding,  and  form  up  to  number  one  on 
the  inside.  The  riders  will  be  careful  to  consider  the  pre- 
ceding and  following  riders,  and  keep  an  equal  distance  from 
each  while  forming. 

From  column  of  twos,  the  twos  forming  up  will  leave  the 
wall  by  an  oblique,  as  shown. 

TO  FORM  SIXES. 

The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  single  file,  or  in  column  of 
twos  or  threes,  command  : 

1.  Form  sixes,  2.  March. 
This  is  executed  on  the  same  principle  as  explained  for  the 
other  formations. 

DISTANCES. 

In  single  file,  or  in  column  of  twos,  the  distances  between 
the  horses  from  head  to  croup  should  be  about  three  feet. 
In  column  of  threes,  fours,  sixes,  or  eights,  the  distances  must 
be  greater,  and  sufficient  to  allow  the  execution  of  a  right  or 
left  turn  into  line  without  the  ranks  interfering  with  each 
other.  Distance  should  always  be  carefully  preserved,  and 
gradually  recovered  if  lost. 


TO  FORM  m  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       39 


23 


40  RING-RIDINa. 


TO   FORM   LINE. 

Plate  SO. — The  class  being  in  single  file,  or  in  column  of 
any  number,  command : 

1.  Form  line,  2.  March. 
When  in  single  file  at  the  wall,  the  proper  moment  to  give 
the  command  of  execution  is  when  one  half  of  the  riders 
have  passed  on  to  one  of  the  ends  of  the  ring,  as  at  this  mo- 
ment the  distances  to  be  covered  by  each  rider  before  line  is 
formed  are  all  about  the  same,  making  it  a  very  graceful 
movement,  and  not  requiring  the  lead  to  slacken  the  gait 
much. 

At  the  command  March,  each  rider  must  ride  forward, 
turning  on  a  smaller  or  larger  circle,  as  shown,  in  concen- 
trating lines. 

Plate  31. — If  the  movement  is  executed  at  any  other  posi- 
tion around  the  ring,  and  especially  after  one  half  or  more  of 
the  riders  have  passed  on  to  one  of  the  long  sides,  the  lead 
must  slacken  the  gait  considerably,  as  the  last  riders  have  a 
very  much  greater  distance  to  cover  before  forming  in  line. 
The  distances  while  forming  are  very  irregular,  and  the 
movement  also. 

Plate  32. — If  there  are  not  too  many  riders  in  file,  a  pretty 
movement  is  to  form  line  by  and  while  going  on  the  large 
circle.  When  the  head  of  the  column  has  passed  on  to  one 
of  the  long  sides,  command : 

1.  Large  circle,  2.  Form  line,  3.  March. 
The  formation  into  line  will  be  executed  by  each  rider 
riding  on  a  decreasing  circle,  forming  up  gradually  and  pre- 
serving an  equal  distance  between  the  preceding  and  follow- 
ing riders.  The  leader  of  the  column  keeps  up  the  regular 
gait  until  the  formation  is  complete,  when  he  must  increase 
it,  as  required  for  circling  in  line. 

Plates  34.,  36. — Forming  line  from  column  of  twos,  the 
same  rule  applies  as  from  single  file,  though  not  with  so 
much  force,  unless  the  column  be  as  long.     When  in  column 


TO  FORM  IN  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       41 


42  RmG-RIDING. 


of  fours  or  sixes  (or  more),  the  proper  moment  to  give  the 
command  of  execution  is  as  the  first  rank  is  about  to  turn  a 
corner,  when  the  line  will  at  once  be  formed  by  the  right 
turn  of  each  rank. 

Plates  35,  37. — If  the  command  be  given  at  any  other 
position  around  the  ring,  the  first  rank  will  slacken  gait, 
while  the  succeeding  ones  will  right  oblique  as  much  as 
necessary,  and,  at  an  increased  gait,  gradually  form  up  into 
line. 

In  forming  line  from  single  file,  it  is  often  desirable  to  do 
so  by  first  forming  into  column  of  twos,  then  fours,  and  then 
into  line,  especially  in  riding  tandem  figures. 

In  forming  up  into  line  each  rider  must  do  so  gradually, 
and  should  always  preserve  an  equal  distance  between  the 
rider  ahead  and  the  one  behind  him,  so  that  the  movement 
be  symmetrical.  He  must  not  endeavor  to  see  how  quickly 
he  can  get  into  line,  but  must  have  due  consideration  for  his 
neighbor  on  either  side  of  him,  from  the  start  to  the  end  of 
the  movement. 

This  rule  applies  to  all  formations  and  movements,  and 
to  each  single  rider,  or  each  rank  of  twos,  threes,  or  more, 
each  rank  being  considered  as  a  single  rider. 

TO   BREAK  OFF. 

Forming  up  is  always  executed  on  the  inside,  while  break- 
ing off  is  done  from  either  the  outside  or  the  inside  flank,  as 
may  be  desired.  As  in  forming  up,  the  better  way  to  break 
off  is  in  succession,  and  not  simultaneously. 

Plates  19,  26. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of 
twos,  to  break  off  in  single  file  from  the  outside  flank,  com- 
mand : 

1.  Single  file  from  the  left  (or  right),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  first  rider  at  the  wall  will  in- 
crease his  gait  and  move  ahead,  while  the  inside  rider  will 
oblique  to  the  wall  as  soon  as  disengaged ;  then  the  next  two, 
and  each  succeeding  two  in  succession,  will  do  the  same. 


TO  FORM  IN  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       43 


As  soon  as  all  are  in  file,  the  lead  will  resume  tlie  regular 
gait. 

Plate  27. — To  break  off  from  the  inside  flank,  command  : 
1.  Single  file  from  the  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  inside  rider  of  the  first  two  in- 
creases his  gait  and  goes  to  the  wall  ahead  of  the  outside 
rider ;  then  the  inside  rider  of  the  second  two  does  the  same, 
and  of  each  succeeding  two,  as  the  two  ahead  make  room. 
When  all  are  in  file  the  regular  gait  is  resumed. 

Breaking  off  in  single  file  from  column  of  threes,  fours, 
or  more,  is  executed  from  either  flank  in  the  same  manner, 
as  explained  from  column  of  twos.     (Plates  21,  28,  29.) 

Plate  39. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  fours, 
to  break  off  from  the  outside  flank  into  column  of  twos, 
command : 

1.  Twos  from  the  left  (or  right),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leading  two  at  the  wall  move 
forward  at  an  increased  gait,  and  the  inside  two  left  oblique 
to  the  wall  as  soon  as  disengaged ;  while  they  are  doing  so 
the  next  two  at  the  wall  move  forward,  and  allow  the  inside 
two  to  oblique  to  the  wall ;  and  so  with  each  four  until  the 
movement  is  finished,  when  the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed. 

To  break  off  from  the  inside  flank,  command  : 
1.  Twos  from  the  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  inside  two  of  the  first  four 
move  forward  at  an  increased  gait,  in  an  oblique  line  to  the 
wall,  ahead  of  the  outside  two ;  the  following  fours  execute 
the  movement  in  succession  in  the  same  manner. 

The  class  being  in  column  of  sixes,  to  break  off  by  threes 
from  the  outside  flank,  command  : 

1.  Threes  from  the  left  (or  right),  2.  March. 
To  break  off  from  the  inside  flank,  command : 

1.  Threes  from  the  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
Both  of  these   movements  are  executed  as  explained   for 
breaking  off  by  twos. 


44  RING-RIDIRG. 


The  breaking  off  in  column  of  twos  from  column  of  sixes 
or  eiglits,  or  column  of  fours  from  column  of  eights,  is  com- 
manded and  executed  on  the  same  principle. 

COLUMN   OF   TWOS   FROM   COLUMN   OF   THREES. 

The  class  being  in  column  of  threes,  with  number  one  at 
the  wall,  to  form  by  twos,  command : 

1.  TiDosfrom  the  left  (or  right),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  outside  two  of  the  first  three 
move  forward,  while  the  inside  rider  obliques  to  the  wall  as 
soon  as  disengaged  ;  then  the  outside  flank  rider  of  the  sec- 
ond threes  moves  forward  and  forms  up  to  him,  the  inside 
two  going  to  the  wall.  The  third  and  fourth  threes  execute 
the  movement  in  the  same  manner. 

When  in  column  of  threes,  with  number  one  on  the  inside 
flank,  to  form  by  twos,  command  : 

1.  Twos  from  the  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  inside  two  of  the  first  three 
move  forward  and  oblique  to  the  wall,  the  outside  rider  leav- 
ing the  wall  as  soon  as  disengaged,  and  taking  his  position 
behind  number  one ;  then  the  inside  rider  of  the  second  three 
moves  forward  to  the  wall,  and  takes  his  position  beside 
him.  The  third  and  fourth  threes  execute  the  movement  in 
the  same  manner. 

Plate  33. — The  class  being  in  line  at  the  wall,  to  break  off 
in  single  file  to  the  opposite  wall,  on  wheeling  on  to  one  of 
the  long  sides,  command  : 

1.  Single  file  right  (or  left)  turn,  in  fan- shape, 

2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  rider  on  the  inside  flank  makes 
a  short  turn  to  the  right,  the  next  rider  not  so  short  a  turn, 
and  each  succeeding  rider  taking  a  larger  circle,  and  grad- 
ually falling  behind  the  preceding  rider,  so  that,  by  the  time 
the  last  rider  reaches  the  wall,  each  will  have  attained  his 
proper  distance.    Each  rider  must  be  careful  not  to  fall  back 


TO  FORM  IN  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       45 


30 


^^  ■  -  CZ>-  P3>,  J^^^>- .  1^^^- ,  <^ 

a"    ■~^.  "•■/•.  ■-.','',  \   ; 


46  EING-RIDING. 


too  quickly,  and  to  preserve  an  equal  distance  between  the 
preceding  and  the  following  riders. 

To  execute  the  same  movement  by  twos,  command : 
1.  Twos  right  (or  left)  turn,  in  fan-shape,  2.  March. 
This  is  executed  in  the  same  manner  as  in  single  file,  each 
two  feeing  careful  to  remain  together  and  act  as  one. 

MOVEMENTS   IN   COLUMN   OF   TWOS. 

In  column  of  twos,  movements  in  column  are  executed 
in  the  same  manner  and  with  the  same  commands  as  in  sin- 
gle file. 

The  small  circle,  Right  (or  left)  about.  Eight  (or  left)  turn, 
and  Bight  (or  left)  oblique,  are  executed  in  the  same  manner 
as  in  single  file,  the  preparatory  commands,  however,  desig- 
nating the  movement  by  twos ;  as, 

Plate  23. — The  class  being  in  column  of  twos  at  the  wall, 
each  two  to  execute  a  right  turn,  when  the  whole  column  is 
on  one  of  the  sides,  command  : 

1.  Twos  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  two  will  execute  a  right  turn, 
and,  guiding  by  the  right  flank,  the  class  will  cross  the  ring 
in  line,  each  two  keeping  together. 

The  turns  or  circles  by  twos  are  executed  with  the  outside 
flank  riding  on  a  circle  no  larger  than  in  single  file ;  this  re- 
quires the  rider  on  the  inside  flank  to  rein  in  his  horse  on 
hearing  the  command  of  execution,  and  to  turn  on  a  very 
small  circle  or  pirouette.  Particular  attention  should  be  paid 
to  this  point  by  the  inside  rider,  in  order  that  the  outside 
rider  can  turn  or  circle  properly. 

MOVEMENTS  IN  COLUMN  OF  FOURS. 

In  column  of  fours,  movements  in  column  are  executed 
with  the  same  commands  as  in  single  file. 

The  change  of  direction  in  column,  diagonally  across  the 
ring,  can  be  executed  in  two  ways,  as  follows : 


TO  FORM  m  COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       47 


48  RING-RIDINQ. 


Plate  51. — Each  rank  keeping  in  a  straight  line  across  the 
direction  of  the  column,  on  command  : 
1.  Change,  2.  March. 

Plate  50. — Each  rank  assuming  the  oblique  form  while 
crossing,  on  command : 

1.  Change,  right  (or  left)  oblique,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  change  will  be  executed  as  shown. 

THE   RIGHT   TURN. 

The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  fours,  to  cross 
the  ring  in  line,  when  all  are  on  one  of  the  sides,  command : 

1.  Fours,  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  rider  on  the  pivot,  or  inside 
flank  of  each  four,  reins  in  his  horse,  turning  him  on  his 
fore-quarters;  the  rider  on  the  outside  flank  increases  his 
gait,  and  all  turn  on  a  circle  to  the  right.  As  soon  as  the 
turn  is  completed,  and  all  are  in  line,  the  regular  gait  must 
be  resumed ;  it  would  be  well  for  the  riders  on  the  outside 
flank  to  make  an  imperceptible  halt  at  this  point,  to  enable 
the  pivot-riders  to  resume  the  gait  easily.  While  crossing 
the  ring  each  four  will  keep  together,  and  all  guide  toward 
the  right  flank. 

If  no  command  is  given  as  the  line  approaches  the  other 
side,  each  four  will  turn  again  in  the  same  direction  as  be- 
fore ;  this  will  bring  the  last  four  on  the  lead.  This  rule  is 
general. 

THE   ABOUT. 

Plates  JfO,  J).!. — To  right  or  left  about  by  fours,  command : 
1,  Fours  right  (or  left)  about,  2.  March. 
At  the  wall,  at  the  command  March,  each  four  will  turn  on 
a  fixed  pivot  until  facing  the   other  way,  when  they  will 
oblique  to  the  wall,  and  go  forward  in  the  new  direction. 

To  execute  the  about  while  crossing  the  ring  in  line  or  in 
column,  each  four  will  turn  on  a  fixed  pivot  and  move  for- 
ward in  the  opposite  direction  in  the  same  formation. 


TO  FORM  m  COLUMN   OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       49 


50  BING-RIDINO. 


THE   SMALL   CIRCLE. 

Plate  Jf^. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  fours, 
command : 

1.  Fours  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  four  will  execute  a  complete  circle  on  a  fixed 
pivot,  and  move  forward  again  at  the  regular  gait.     The 
circle  is  executed  on  the  same  principle  as  explained  for  the 
turn  or  one  quarter  of  a  circle. 

If  going  through  the  ring  in  line  or  in  column,  command  : 
1.  Fours  right  (or  left)  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  four  will  execute  a  complete  circle  on  a  fixed 
pivot  in  the  direction  indicated  in  the  command,  moving 
forward  again  in  the  original  formation  on  execution  of  the 
circle. 

the  oblique. 

Plate  43. — The  rear  of  the  column  having  entered  on  one 
of  the  long  sides,  command : 

1.  Fours  right  (or  left)  oblique,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  rider  will  execute  a  half-turn 
to  the  right,  so  that  the  horse's  head  will  be  opposite  the 
lower  part  of  the  neck  of  the  horse  to  the  right,  and  move 
forward  in  the  new  direction.  Each  four  preserve  their 
parallel  position,  the  line  of  each  four  being  parallel  with 
the  ends,  while  the  column  is  parallel  with  the  sides  of  the 
ring.  The  guide  is  by  the  right,  and  the  guide  of  the  first 
four  is  the  guide  for  the  column. 

The  straight  line  is  again  resumed,  without  command,  on 
arriving  at  the  opposite  wall  or  before,  by  the  command  : 

1.  Forward,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  half -turn  to  the  left  and  move 
forward  in  the  original   direction  and   formation,  guiding 
again  as  before  executing  the  oblique. 

Plates  44,  45. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of 
fours,  each  four  to  cross  the  ring  in  single  file,  command : 


# 


TO  FORM  IN   COLUMN  OF  TWOS,    THREES,   ETC.       51 


42 


43 


1 — > 

^''          ""%        ^^^ 

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1    >-- 

f^'ooyg  ^ 

1    >-  - 

/ 

45 


-  -  c2:>-  -I — i>--r-^--  ■r~7i>  - 


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■cz:&  ■•(=::>■  ■c:;><  ;C^3>- 


52  RING-RIDING. 


1.  Single  file  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  inside  flank  riders  of  each  four 
will  turn  (on  a  small  circle)  to  the  right,  increase  their  gait, 
and  cross  the  ring  in  line  with  each  other,  guiding  by  the 
right ;  the  others  follow  directly  behind  them  in  succession, 
crossing  the  ring  in  columns,  as  shown.  On  approaching 
the  opposite  wall,  command  : 

1.  Eight  (or  left)  form  fours,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leading  rider  of  each  four  will 
turn  at  the  wall  in  the  direction  indicated,  decreasing  his 
gait  until  the  rest  have  formed  up  to  him,  as  shown,  when 
the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed, 

TO  reverse  the  position  of  each  rider  as  to  the  flanks. 

The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  fours,  command : 
1.  In  file  retire,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  inside  flank  rider  of  the 
first  four  will  turn  on  a  small  circle,  and,  passing  to  the  rear 
of  the  column,  again  turn,  and  take  his  position  at  the  wall 
behind  the  last  four,  at  the  proper  distance.  The  others  fol- 
low in  single  file,  and,  while  turning  again  at  the  rear,  form 
up  by  fours.  As  the  second  four  reach  the  point  at  which 
the  first  four  started  the  movement,  they  execute  it  in  the 
same  manner ;  then  the  following  fours  in  succession,  until 
all  have  passed.     (See  Plates  85,  134.) 

If  only  one  rank  is  to  retire  at  a  time,  then  command : 
First  four  in  file  retire,  etc. 


WHEELING  AND    CIRCLING.  53 


WHEELING  AND  CIRCLING. 
TURNING  A   CORNER. 

Plates  JfS,  Jf7,  Jf8. — The  class  being  in  line  or  in  column  of 
fours,  or  more,  at  tlie  wall,  on  approaching  a  corner,  and 
when  at  a  distance  equal  to  the  width  of  the  column,  the  out- 
side flank  commences  to  turn,  without  command,  and  in- 
creases its  speed,  while  the  rider  on  the  pivot  reins  in  his 
horse  and  turns  him  on  his  fore-quarters  until,  the  turn  be- 
ing executed,  the  regular  gait  is  resumed.  The  riders  regu- 
late their  gait  while  turning  according  to  their  position  in 
line,  each  rider  being  careful  to  turn  on  a  circle  of  a  radius 
required  by  his  distance  from  the  pivot,  each  one  toward  the 
outside  flank  riding  on  a  circle  of  a  larger  diameter  than  his 
neighbor  toward  the  pivot. 

If  the  turn  is  started  too  late,  with  the  outside  flank  too 
far  into  the  corner,  the  riders  on  that  flank  will  be  wedged 
in  against  the  wall,  causing  discomfort,  and  making  a  bad 
appearance  and  execution. 

Plate  Jfi  b. — When  the  class  is  in  two  or  more  ranks,  while 
the  first  rank  is  turning  the  corner  the  second  rank  will  ap- 
parently gain  on  the  first,  the  pivot  flanks  of  each  coming 
close  together;  the  first  will,  however,  regain  its  position 
while  the  second  is  turning. 

In  riding  on  a  circle,  each  rider  will  hold  his  horse  on  the 
same  in  the  following  manner:  the  horse  being  collected, 
draw  the  right  rein,  more  or  less  according  to  the  size  of  the 
circle,  to  hold  the  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  the  circle, 
the  left  rein  resting  against  the  horse's  neck ;  keep  the  right 
leg  straight  down,  controlling  the  fore-quarters  and  prevent- 
ing the  horse  from  turning  too  much ;  the  left  leg  hold  be- 
hind the  girth,  controlling  the  hind-quarters  and  keeping 
the  same  on  the  line  of  the  circle. 


54  BINO-RinrnG. 


TO   CIRCLE   AT  ANY   POINT. 

The  class  being  in  line  at  the  wall,  command : 

1.  Circle,  2.  March; 
or,  if  passing  through  the  ring,  command  : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  circle,  2.  March  ; 
the  circle  in  either  case  being  executed  on  a  fixed  pivot,  in 
the  same  manner  as  in  turning  a  corner.  Guide  by  the  out- 
side flank;  feel  lightly  the  leg  on  either  side,  but  resist 
pressure  from  the  pivot.  The  outside  flaiik  rider  watches 
the  line  and  gradually  increases  or  decreases  his  circle,  as  he 
sees  crowding  or  opening  in  the  same.  The  riders,  while 
guiding  by  the  outside  flank,  glance  from  time  to  time 
toward  the  pivot,  and,  if  too  close  or  open,  correct  their 
positions  by  increasing  or  decreasing  their  circles,  and  not 
by  moving  sideways. 

TO  circle  on  a  movable  pivot. 

Plate  4^7  b. — As  in  executing  the  large  circle,  the  out- 
side riders  will  increase  their  gait,  while  those  toward  the 
pivot  will  decrease  theirs.  The  rider  on  the  pivot  flank 
keeps  his  horse  moving,  and  rides  on  a  smaller  or  larger  cir- 
cle, as  may  be  required. 

In  circling  and  turning,  while  keeping  in  a  straight  line, 
the  inside  riders  should  favor  those  toward  the  outside  flank, 
as  these  can  not  so  easily  recover  their  positions,  if  lost,  as 
the  inside  riders  can  hold  back. 

Plate  Jf9. — When  the  width  of  a  column  or  line  is  more 
than  one  half  the  width  of  the  rftig,  or  when  wheeling  in 
line  to  halt  in  the  center  of  the  ring  at  one  end,  in  both 
cases  the  pivot  being  at  some  distance  from  the  pivot  flank, 
the  turning  requires  different  execution  from  the  ordinary 
wheeling.  As  the  line  approaches  the  end  of  the  ring,  the 
riders  gradually  assume  an  oblique  position  in  line,  as  shown, 
bringing  the  outside  flank  farther  into  the  corner,  and  en- 
abling those  on  the  pivot  flank  to  keep  in  position  with  as 


WHEELING  AND    CIRCLING. 


55 


56  RmG-RIDING. 


little  side  movement  or  backing  as  possible.  The  riders  to- 
ward the  outside  flank  then  turn  on  very  small  circles,  those 
toward  the  pivot  press  the  croups  of  their  horses  well  toward 
the  outside  flank,  with  the  inside  leg  behind  the  girth.  They 
must  not  draw  their  horses'  heads  toward  the  outside 
flank,  or  there  will  be  crowding ;  the  horses'  heads  should 
be  held  straight  or  in  the  direction  of  the  turning,  to  keep 
the  forequarters  clear  and  to  assist  the  pressure  of  the 
legs. 

The  moment  that  the  corner  has  been  turned  (being  on 
the  left  hand),  the  formation  of  the  line  has  changed  from  a 
right  oblique  to  a  left  oblique  position,  which  becomes  a 
straight  line  at  the  middle  of  the  end  wall,  the  other  corner 
being  turned  in  the  same  manner. 

The  wheel  into  position  at  the  end  of  the  ring  is  executed 
on  the  same  principle,  as  shown. 


STAETING  AND  FINISHING  MOVEMENTS. 
TO  FORM   IN   LINE  ACROSS  THE  RING  FROM  THE  RIGHT  FLANK. 

Plate  52. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  single  file,  com- 
mand: 

1.  On  right  (or  left)  into  line,  2.  March. 

3.  In  line,  4.  Halt. 

5.  Right  (or  left),  6.  Dress. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leading  rider  executes  a  right 
turn  and  moves  forward ;  when  the  next  rider  reaches  a 
point  about  three  feet  farther  on  than  where  the  first 
turned  he  does  the  same,  and  so  each  rider  in  succession 
turning  farther  on.  At  the  command  Halt,  the  leader 
halts,  and  each  following  rider  halts  and  dresses  to  the  right 
successively  upon  arriving  in  line. 

If  no  command  to  halt  is  given,  the  lead  will  continue 
to  move  slowly  forward,  while  the  rest  will  increase  their 


STARTING  AND  FINISHING  MOVEMENTS. 


57 


50 


58  RINO-RIDma. 


gait  and  form  up  as  explained.     When  all  are  in  line,  the 
regular  gait  will  be  resumed. 

This  movement  is  executed  from  column  of  twos  or  fours 
in  the  same  manner. 

TO    FORM     IN     LINE     FROM    THE     OPPOSITE     FLANK    TO     THE 

PRECEDING. 

Plate  53. — Command : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  turn  into  line,  2.  March. 

3.  In  line,  4.  Halt. 

5.  Left  (or  right),  6.  Dress. 
At  the  command  March,  given  at  the  proper  place  to  form 
from  the  left  flank,  as  shown,  the  leader  makes  a  right  turn 
and  moves  forward ;  the  next  rider  turns  on  reaching  a  point 
about  three  feet  from  that  at  which  the  preceding  rider 
turned,  and  so  each  rider  in  succession.  At  the  command 
Halt,  the  leader  halts,  and  each  rider  does  the  same  and 
dresses  to  the  left  upon  arriving  in  line. 

If  no  command  to  Halt  is  given,  the  lead  will  continue 
to  move  slowly  forward  until  all  have  formed  into  line, 
when  the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed. 

This  movement  is  executed  from  column  of  twos  or  more 
in  the  same  manner,  each  rank  acting  as  explained  for  the 
single  rider. 

TO   break   OFF   IN   SINGLE   FILE. 

Plate  5^.— The  class  being  in  line  and  approaching  the 
end  of  the  ring,  command  : 

1.  Single  file  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leader  turns  on  a  small  circle 
to  the  right,  the  rest  turning  at  the  same  time  and  going  to 
the  end  wall,  each  rider  falling  in  behind  the  preceding  rider 
in  succession,  being  careful  to  keep  his  horse  collected  and 
moving,  so  that  he  will  not  lose  his  position  at  the  moment 
that  he  must  increase  his  gait.     If  the  class  be  at  a  walk. 


STARTING  AND  FINISHING  MOVEMENTS  59 


55 


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i 

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1 

ii 

;^:^#- 

60  EING-RIDING. 


the  movement  can  be  facilitated  by  starting  the  trot  or  gallop 
as  the  turn  commences. 


TO   BREAK   OFF   BY  TWOS. 

Plate  55. — Command  : 

1.  Twos  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
This  is  executed  in  the  same  manner  as  explained  for  the 
single  file. 

While  passing  through  the  ring  in  line,  the  guide  being 
by  the  right  or  left,  there  must  be  no  pressing  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  guide,  but  each  rider  must  go  straight  forward. 

Plate  56. — To  start  into  column  of  fours  from  in  line, 
command : 

1.  Fours  forward,  Fours  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  four  on  the  right  flank  will 
move  forward  ;  the  other  fours  wheel  to  the  right.  The  sec- 
ond four,  when  its  wheel  is  nearly  completed,  turns  to  the 
left  and  follows  the  first  four ;  the  other  fours  having  turned 
to  the  right,  move  forward  and  turn  to  the  left  at  the  same 
point  as  the  second  four. 

This  is  executed  by  twos  or  threes  in  the  same  manner  as 
above. 

Plate  57. — Being  in  line,  to  form  in  column  of  twos  from 
the  center  of  the  line,  command  : 

1.  Twos  from  center,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  two  riders  in  the  center  of  the 
line  move  forward,  while  the  rest  will  right  and  left  oblique 
as  soon  as  disengaged,  and  in  succession  form  by  twos  from 
the  right  and  left  behind  the  preceding  riders. 

Plate  58. — The  class  being  at  one  end  of  the  ring,  to  as- 
sume the  pyramid  form  from  the  center  of  the  line,  com- 
mand . 

1.  Twos  from  center,  in  succession  forward ,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  two  in  the  center  move  straight 


STARTING  AND  FINISHING  MOVEMENTS.  61 


59 


61 


\ 


/ 


62  RING-RIDING. 


forward ;  tlie  rest  move  straight  forward  in  succession,  by 
twos  from  the  right  and  left,  as  the  preceding  horses'  croups 
reach  the  heads  of  the  next  horses.  When  all  are  moving, 
to  halt  in  line,  command  : 

1.  In  line,  2.  Halt. 
To  halt  in  the  pyramid  form,  command : 
1.  Attention,  2.  Halt, 

Plate  59. — To  form  in  the  pyramid  form  from  the  flanks, 
command ; 

1.  I7i  file  from  each  flank,  In  successio7i  forward, 

2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  two  flank  riders  will  move 
straight  forward  ;  the  rest  move  straight  forward  in  succes- 
sion, by  twos  from  the  right  and  left,  in  the  same  manner  as 
explained  from  the  center.  When  all  are  moving,  to  halt  in 
line,  command : 

1.  In  line,  2.  Halt. 
To  halt  in  the  pyramid  form,  command : 
1.  Attention,  2.  Halt. 

Plates  60,  61. — To  move  forward  in  column  of  twos  from 
either  pyramid  form,  command  : 

1.  Right  and  left  oblique  to  center,  2.  March, 
At  the  command  March,  each  side  will  oblique  to  the  center 
and  form  in  column  of  twos. 

Plate  62. — To  move  forward  with  each  four  inclined  from 
either  flank,  being  in  line  at  one  end  of  the  ring,  command  : 

1.  By  fours,  single  file  from  the  left  (or  rigid),  in  suc- 
cessimi  forward,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  rider  on  the  left  flank  of  each 
four  moves  forward  ;  the  rest  move  straight  forward  in  suc- 
cession, as  shown.  As  the  leaders  reach  the  other  end  of  the 
ring,  command : 

1.  Fours  7'ight  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  four  will  turn  to  the  right 


8TARTIXG  AND  FINISHING  MOVEMENTS,  63 


63 


64  RING-RIDING. 


into  line,  dressing  to  the  left,  thus  forming  into  column  of 
fours. 

Plate  63. — To  move  forward  inclined  from  either  flank, 
the  class  being  in  line  at  one  end  of  the  ring,  command  : 

1.  From  the  right  (or  left),  in  succession  forward, 

2.  March. 

This  is  executed  from  either  flank  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
preceding  figures.  As  the  leader  reaches  the  end  wall,  com- 
mand: 

1,  Column  right  (or  left),  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  turn  to  the  right  as  he  reaches  the 
wall. 

Plates  64,  65. — To  halt  from  the  incline  and  form  into  line 
in  a  position  diagonally  across  the  ring,  command : 

1.  Left'  (or  right)  turn  in  line,  2.  Halt. 
At  the  command  Halt,  each  rider  will  make  a  short  turn  to 
the  left  into  line  and  halt ;  then,  from  either  the  right  or 
left  position,  break  ofl:  in  column  of  ones,  twos,  or  more, 
from  the  right  or  left,  as  desired. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS. 

Plate  66.— To  separate  into  two  columns  going  in  the 
same  direction,  the  class  being  in  column  of  twos  at  the 
wall,  as  the  head  of  the  column  passes  on  to  one  of  the  long 
sides,  command : 

1.  First  file  circle,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  inside  file  will  turn  on  a  circle 
so  as  to  reach  the  center  of  one  end  of  the  ring  as  the  other 
file  reaches  the  center  of  the  other  end. 

Plate  67.— To  separate  and  go  in  opposite  directions,  as 
the  lead  reaches  the  half -school,  command : 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS. 


65 


69 


^ 


<% 


66  RING-BIDIN'G. 


1.  Column  right  (or  left),  2.  March  ; 
and  at  the  opposite  wall,  comraand  : 

3.  Right  mid  left,  4.  March  ; 
when  the  two  files  will  separate  to  the  right  and  left. 

Plate  68. — Executed  with  the  same  commands  as  the  pre- 
ceding, through  the  center  of  the  ring. 

Plate  69. — As  the  head  of  the  column  passes  on  to  one  of 
the  long  sides,  command  : 

1.  First  file  change,  2.  March; 
when  the  inside  file  will  change,  as  shown.     If  no  command 
is  given,  as  the  two  columns  approach  each  other  at  the  end, 
they  pass  each  other  to  the  left. 

RIGHT  AND  LEFT  MOVEMENTS. 

Plate  70. — To  go  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  column 
of  twos,  the  two  columns  approaching  each  other  in  single 
file  on  one  of  the  ends,  command : 

1.  Center,  2.  March; 
when  the  two  columns  will  form  hj  twos  and  go  through  the 
center  of  the  ring. 

The  same  command  is  used  whatever  the  number  in  col- 
umn on  either  side  may  be. 

TO  CHANGE  DIRECTION  FROM  THE  CENTER  OR  FROM  THE  WALLo 

Plate  70. — Command  : 

1.  Right  and  left  change,  2.  March, 
If  in  the  center,  the  column  will  separate  and  each  column  go 
to  the  wall,  as  shown.     If  at  the  wall,  each  column  will  leave 
the  wall  and  the  two  come  together  in  the  center,  the  move- 
ment being  the  direct  opposite  to  the  preceding, 

TO   OBLIQUE. 

Plates  71,  72. — As  the  last  riders  on  each  side  enter  the 
center,  or  the  wall  on  either  side,  command : 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO.  SECTIONS. 


67 


68  RIXG-RIDING. 


1.  Right  and  left  oblique,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  side  will  oblique,  as  shown. 

TO  CIRCLE  AT  EITHER  END  OF  THE  RING  IN  EITHER  DIRECTION. 

Plate  73. — Command : 

1.  Bight  and  left  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  side  will  execute  a  circle,  as  shown. 

Plate  7J^. — Going  through  the  center  of  the  ring  or  along 
the  sides,  each  rider  to  execute  a  small  circle  to  the  right  or 
left,  command : 

1.  All  circle,  2,  March  ; 
when  every  rider  will  execute  a  small  circle,  as  heretofore 
explained. 

Plate  75.- — Being  in  two  sections  in  single  file  on  either 
side,  to  cross  the  ring  in  line  and  the  riders  to  pass  between 
each  other,  command : 

1.  Big'ht  and  left  turn,  2.  March. 
In  crossing  over,  as  the  two  lines  approach  each  other,  each 
rider  will  pass  the  opposite  rider  to  the  left  (so  that  they  can 
touch  each  other's  right  hands).    On  arriving  at  the  opposite 
wall,  turn  in  the  same  direction  as  before. 

Plate  76.— Crossing  the  ring  in  the  manner  just  explained, 
the  riders  to  circle  or  pirouette  around  each  other  in  the  cen- 
ter, command : 

1.  Circle,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  given  as  the  riders  are  almost  op- 
site  each  other,  each  rider  will  execute  a  complete  circle  or 
pirouette  around  and  with  his  opposite.  On  completing  the 
circle  each  line  will  move  forward  in  the  original  direction 
to  the  wall,  being  careful  to  start  together  at  the  same  mo- 
ment after  circling.  At  the  wall,  turn  again  in  the  same 
direction  as  at  the  other  wall. 

Plate  77.— Going  through  the  length  of  the  ring  in  col- 


MOVEMENTS  IN   TWO  SECTIONS. 


69 


^5 


70  RING-RIDIXG. 


"unin  of  twos,  to  turn  right  and  left  to  the  wall  on  either 
side,  command : 

1.  Eight  and  left  turn,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  rider  will  turn  to  the  right 
or  left,  and,  going  to  the  wall,  turn  again  in  the  same  direc- 
tion as  before,  guiding  to  the  right  and  left  flanks  respect- 
ively. 

If  going  through  the  ring  in  column  of  fours,  command  : 

1.  Twos  riglit  and  left  tarn,  2.  March. 

Plate  78. — Approaching  the  end  of  the  ring  in  the  center 
in  column  of  twos,  to  form  twos  on  each  side,  command : 

1.  Bight  and  left  form  tivos,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  side  will  form  by  twos  on  turning  to  the  right 
and  left  at  the  wall,  as  shown. 

If  in  column  of  fours  in  the  center,  to  form  by  fours  on 
each  side,  command : 

1.  Right  and  left,  form  fours,  2.  March.. 

Plate  79. — The  class  being  in  column  of  twos  at  each  side 
of  the  ring,  to  go  through  the  center  in  column  of  eights, 
command  : 

1.  Eight  aiid  left  form  fours,  Center,  2.  March; 
when  each  side  will  form  by  fours  as  they  turn  to  the  cen- 
ter, thus  forming  by  eights  together. 

This  command  distinctly  conveys  to  the  mind  of  the  rider 
what  is  expected,  and  it  can  not  be  misunderstood.  The 
form  of  command  sometimes  used,  "  Center  form  eights,"  is 
confusing  to  the  riders,  as  they  must  consider  another  col- 
umn besides  their  own;  therefore  it  should  not  be  made 
use  of. 

Plate  80. — To  form  line  at  the  ends  on  each  side  from  the 
center,  command : 

1.  Eight  and  left,  form  line,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  side  Avill  form  line  while  turning  to  the  right  and 
left. 


MOVEMENTS  IN   TWO  SECTIONS. 


11 


80 


81 


72  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  81. — To  form  line  in  the  center  at  one  end,  from 
each  side,  command : 

1.  Right  and  left  form  line,  Center,  2.  March  ; 
when  both  sides  will  form  line  as  they  turn  to  the  center. 

Plate  82. — Approaching  either  end  of  the  ring  in  line,  to 
break  off  in  single  file  from  each  flank,  command : 
1.  Single  file,  right  and  left,  2.  March. 

Plate  83. — Approaching  either  end  of  the  ring  in  line,  to 
break  off  in  single  file  from  the  outside  flank  of  each  side, 
and  go  through  the  center  in  column  of  twos,  command : 

1.  Right  and  left  circle,  2.  March  ; 
and  when  the  two  sections  have  completed  about  three  quar- 
ters of  the  circle,  command : 

3.  Single  file,  right  and  left.  Center,  4,  March  ; 
when  the  riders  will  break  off  in  single  file  from  each  section 
and  pass  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  column  of  twos, 
as  shown. 

Plate  8]/.. — Being  in  line  on  each  side  and  approaching 
either  end  of  the  ring,  to  break  off  in  single  file  on  each  side 
and  go  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  column  of  twos, 
command : 

1.  Single  file,  right  and  left,  Center,  2.  March; 
when  the  riders  will  break  off  in  single  file  from  the  inside 
flank  on  each  side  and  go  through  the  center  in  column  of 
twos,  as  shown. 

Plate  85. — Passing  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  two 
(or  more)  ranks,  to  reverse  the  positions  of  the  riders  in  the 
ranks,  command : 

1.  Right  and  left  in  file  retire,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  first  rank  will  single  file  right 
and  left,  and,  passing  to  the  rear,  reform  in  reversed  posi- 
tions.    As  the  second  rank  reaches  the  same  point  it  does  the 
same. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO   SECTIONS. 


73 


82 


83 


^^ 


74  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  86. — Having  passed  right  and  left  in  column  of 
twos,  each  column  to  change  across  the  whole  ring,  as  the 
columns  pass  on  to  the  long  sides  of  the  ring,  command : 

1.  Right  and  left,  Change  across,  2.  March. 
As  the  riders  turn  to  execute  the  change,  they  will  assume 
the  oblique  form.  As  the  leading  riders  approach  each 
other^  number  one  and  companion  pass  ahead  and  the 
two  columns  pass  in  between  each  other  alternately,  as 
shown. 

Plaie  87. — Having  changed  in  the  manner  just  explained, 
to  pass  through  the  center  in  the  form  shown,  command  : 

1.  Right  and  left,  Alternately  center,  2.  March  ; 
number  one  and  companion  going  first. 

Plate  88. — Being  in  the  center  of  the  ring  in  the  alternate 
position^  each  column  to  pass  in  between  the  other  and 
oblique  to  the  wall,  command  : 

1.  Twos  right  and  left  oblique,  across,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  column  will  right  or  left  oblique  and  pass  in  be- 
tween the  other  column,  as  shown. 

Plate  89. — Being  in  the  same  position,  each  column  to 
right  or  left  turn  by  twos,  and  pass  in  between  each  other, 
command : 

1.  Tivos  right  and  left  turn,  across,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  two  will  right  or  left  turn,  as  shown,  and  go  to 
the  wall,  where  they  will  turn  again  in  the  same  direction 
as  before. 

Plate  90. — Being  in  the  same  position,  to  circle  around 
each  other  by  twos,  as  shown,  command : 

1.  Tiuos  right  and  left  circle,  across,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  two  will  execute  a  small  circle  in  the  direction  of 
the  other  column,  passing  in  between  each  other,  as  shown. 
On  the  conclusion  of  the  circle  they  will  resume  the  original 
direction. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS. 


75 


88 


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76  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  91. — The  two  sections  approaching  each  other  in 
the  ring  in  the  alternate  form,  by  a  right  and  left  turn  re- 
spectively, from  either  wall,  to  assume  the  alternate  column 
figure  in  the  center,  command  : 

1.  Twos  right  and  left  turn,  across,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  two  will  turn  to  the  right  or  left  on  passing 
through,  turning  in  the  direction  of  the  leaders. 

In  these  movements  the  commander  should  be  sure  to 
emphasize  the  word  "  across,"  to  call  attention  to  the  move- 
ment, and  prevent  the  execution  of  the  ordinary  movements 
called  for  when  this  word  is  not  used. 

Plate  92. — Passing  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  col- 
umn of  sixes ;  to  execute  this  figure,  command : 

1.  Single   file    right    and    left    about    to    wall,    form 

threes, 

2.  March  ; 

when  the  riders  will  single  file  right  and  left  from  each 
flank,  turning  on  a  circle  to  the  wall,  and  there  reforming 
by  threes  in  reversed  order  and  direction. 

Plate  93. — Being  at  the  wall  on  each  side  in  column  of 
threes,  to  pass  through  the  center  in  the  position  shown, 
command : 

1.  First  section  forivard  hy  threes  and  sixes,  center, 

2.  March; 

when  the  form  shown  will  be  assumed,  the  first  column  in- 
creasing its  gait  while  the  other  holds  back  during  the  for- 
mation. 

Plate  9Jf. — To  form  line  from  the  center,  as  shown,  the 
class  being  in  single  file  on  each  side,  command  : 

1.  Center,  2.  March; 
and,  as  the  leaders  turn  at  the  center, 

3.  Right  and  left  separate,  form  line,  4.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  leaders  will  separate,  and, 
slackening  their  gait,  keep  moving  diagonally  apart,  while 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS. 


17 


78  RING-RIDING. 


the  rest  will  form  up  on  each  side  from  the  inside.     When 
all  are  in  line,  the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed. 
To  halt  in  line,  command  : 
1.  In  line,  2.  Halt. 

Plate  95. — To  form  line  on  the  center,  as  shown,  the  class 
being  in  single  file  on  each  side,  command : 

1.  Center,  2.  March; 
and,  as  the  leaders  turn  to  the  center, 

3.  Right  and  left  form  line,  4.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leaders  will  slacken  their  gait, 
while  the  rest  form  up  on  the  right  and  left  flanks.     When 
all  are  in  line,  the  regular  gait  will  be  resumed,  or  the  line 
halted  on  command. 

Plate  96. — Going  through  the  ring  in  two  ranks ;  to  ex- 
ecute this  movement,  command : 

1.  First  rank,  riglit  and  left  circle,  2.  Marc]H  ; 
and  as  the  second  rank  reaches  the  same  point, 

3.  Second  rank,  right  and  left  circle,  4.  March. 
Each  rank  circles  at  the  command  around  the  other,  and, 
forming  again  as  before,  moves  forward  as  before  circling. 
The  plate  shows  three  positions  ;  the  movement  is,  however, 
executed  and  finished  on  the  spot  it  is  started  at. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS  ON  THE  SAME  HAND. 

Plate  07. — Both  columns  to  change  direction  and   pass 
each  other,  command : 

1.  Change,  2.  March. 
If  the  two  columns  are  on  the  right  hand  and  changing  to 
the  left,  they  pass  each  other  to  the  right ;  if  on  the  left 
hand  and  changing  to  the  right,  they  pass  each  other  to  the 
left,  or  in  the  direction  of  the  wall  they  are  approaching. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS  ON  THE  SAME  HAND.   79 


80  RING-RTDING. 


Plate  OS. — Tlie  two  sections  crossing  the  ring  in  line  and 
approaching  each  other,  to  execute  this  movement,  as  the 
riders  are  about  to  pass  between  each  other,  command : 

1.  Right  turn,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will,  on  passing  through,  turn  to  the  right 
and  then  go  in  column  to  either  end. 

Plate  99. — Two  sections  passing  each  other  in  column 
through  the  center  of  the  ring,  as  they  come  directly  oppo- 
site each  other,  command : 

1.  Bight  turn,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  turn  to  the  right  around  the  opposite 
rider,  and  the  two  sections  go  in  line  to  the  wall  on  either 
side. 

Plate  100. — Or  command  : 
1.  Circle,  2.  March; 
wlien  each  rider  will  circle  or  pirouette  around  and  with  the 
opposite  rider,  and  each  section  pass  forward  again,  in  the 
original  direction,  in  column. 

When  two  columns  are  passing  through  the  ring,  they 
will  always  pass  each  other  to  the  left  if  no  command  be 
given. 

the  grand  chain,  or  the  alternate  passing  to   the 
right  and  left  of  each  rider. 

Plate  101. — It  is  a  very  difficult  figure,  and  requires  the 
most  perfect  control  of  the  horse  for  its  proper  execution. 
Executed  on  the  center  circle  it  becomes  much  easier,  espe- 
cially on  account  of  the  greater  distances  between  the  riders. 

THE   SERPENTINE. 

Plate  102. — This  is  a  right  and  left  figure  for  execution 
by  a  large  class,  and  especially  at  a  walk  between  trotting 
evolutions.     For  this  command  : 

1.  Half-school,  2.  Serpentine  right  and  left,  3.  March. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS  ON  TEE  SAME  HAND.  81 


100 

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fe" 


82  RINO-RIDING. 


Plate  103. — Being  in  two  sections,  in  line  at  opposite  sides 
of  the  ring,  on  passing  on  to  the  long  sides,  command  : 

1.  Change,  2.  March; 
and  as  the  sections  aj^proach  each  other  in  the  center, 

3.  Circle,  4.  March; 
when  they  will  circle  around  each  other  and  resume  the 
change  on  completing  the  circle. 

Plate  10 Jf. — In  this  movement,  the  sections  to  yjass  and 
circle  from  the  other  side,  as  they  reach  the  half-school, 
command : 

1.  Change,  2.  March; 

and  in  the  center, 

3.  Circle,  4.  March; 
when  they  will  change  and  circle  around  each  other,  as 
shown,  going  to  the  opposite  wall,  on  the  other  hand,  after 
circling.     The  command  can  also  indicate  the  direction  of 
the  circle,  if  desired. 

Plate  105. — For  this  figure,  as  the  two  sections  approach 
the  half -school,  command : 

1.  Half-school,  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March; 
and  in  the  center  of  the  ring, 

3.  Eight  (or  left)  circle,  4.  March  ; 
when  they  will  circle  in  the  direction  indicated,  away  from 
each  other. 

Plate  106. — Same  as  the  preceding  figure,  except  in  the 
center,  command : 

3.  Left  (or  right)  circle,  4.  March  ; 
when  they  will  circle  around  each  other. 

These  two  movements  in  the  center  can  follow  each  other ; 
as  one  or  the  other  circle  is  about  completed,  command 
for  the  circle  in  the  other  direction.  If  no  command  is 
given,  on  completing  the  circle  the  original  direction  is  re- 
sumed. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS  ON  THE  SAME  BAND.  83 


84  ■  EINO-EIDING. 


Plate  107. — The  two  sections  being  in  single  file  at  the 
wall,  as  the  leaders  reach  the  half-school,  command : 

1.  Form  line,  center  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  section  will  form  line,  as  shown,  and  the  two  cir- 
cle around  each  other  in  the  center. 

Plate  108. — For  this  figure,  as  the  leaders  of  each  section 
reach  the  quarter-school,  command : 

1.  Form  line  center  circle,  2.  March; 
when  each  section  will  form  line,  as  in  the  preceding  figure, 
but  circle  in  the  other  direction  around  each  other. 

Plate  109. — To  go  from  either  of  the  preceding  figures  in 
single  file  to  the  wall,  from'  the  outside  flank,  command  :   . 
1.  Single  file  right  (or  left)  to  ivall,  2.  March. 
Plate  110. — Or^  to  go  from  the  pivot  flanks,  command : 
1.  Single  file  left  (or  right)  to  ivall,  2.  March. 
These  two  movements  can  be  executed  by  either  breaking  off 
in  "  fan-shape/'  as  in  Plate  109,  or  in  the  "  oblique,"  each 
rider  falling  back  gradually,  as  in  Plate  110. 

Plate  111. — Being  in  two  sections,  in  column  of  twos,  to 
change,  and  one  column  to  separate  while  the  other  passes 
through,  command : 

1.  Change,  2.  March, 

3.  First  (or  second)  section  separate,  4.  March  ; 
when  the  section  indicated  will  open  and  pass  on  each  side 
of  the  other  section,  and  reform  after  passing. 

Plate  112. — The  sections  to  pass  through  each  other,  as 
shown,  coiumand : 

3.  Sections  separate,  4.  March; 
when  both  sections  will  open  and  pass  in  between  each  other, 
as  shown,  reforming  when  through. 

Both  of  these  figures  can  be  executed  on  the  center  and 
half-school  as  well. 

Plate  113. — The  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  twos. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  TWO  SECTIONS  ON  THE  SAME  HAND.  85 


103 


104 


105 


86  RmG-RIDING. 


to  go  on  the  center  circle  in  two  columns  going  in  opposite 
directions,  as  the  leaders  reach  the  quarter-school,  command : 

1.  First  file  change,  2.  March; 
and  immediately  after, 

3.  Center  circle,  4.  March  ; 
when  e.acli  column  will  lead  on  to  the  center  circle,  passing 
each  other  to  the  left,  as  shown. 

Plate  m. — Passing  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in  line, 
to  go  on  the  center  circle  in  single  file,  as  the  line  approaches 
the  end  of  the  ring,  command : 

1.  First  section,  single  file  right, 

3.  Second  section,  left  circle,  3.  March  ; 

when  the  first  section  will  break  off  in  single  file  at  the  wall, 
while  the  second  section  will  circle  to  the  left ;  as  the  first 
section  reaches  the  half-school,  and  the  second  has  about 
executed  three  quarters  of  the  circle,  command : 

4.  Single  file,  center  circle,  5.  March; 

when  the  first  section  will  lead  on  to  the  center  circle,  while 
the  second  will  break  off  in  single  file  on  to  the  same,  follow- 
ing behind  the  first. 


MOVEMENTS  ON  THE  CENTER  CIRCLE. 

Plate  115  a. — The  class  having  passed  on  the  center  circle 
in  single  file,  with  intervals,  to  change  hands  or  direction,  it 
is  best  executed  in  two  sections  ;  therefore  command : 

1.  In  two  sections,  change,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  leader  of  each  section  will  turn,  the  two  columns 
pass  each  other  to  the  right,  in  changing  from  the  right  to 
the  left  hand. 

Plate  115  b. — The  even  and  odd  numbers  to  alternately 
pass  ahead  of  each  other,  command : 


MOVEMENTS  ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  8T 


103 

cz>~s=t 

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88  RIRG-EIDIKG. 


1.  Even  numbers  forward,  2.  March; 
and  when  they  have  executed  the  movement, 

3.  Odd  numbers  forward,  4.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  numbers  indicated  will  pass 
the  riders  ahead  on  the  inside  and  take  the  places  ahead  of 
them. 

Plate  115  c. — The  odd  and  even  numbers  to  alternately 
circle  and  go  behind  the  riders  following,  command : 

1.  Odd  numbers  circle,  2.  March  ; 
and  when  these  have  circled, 

3.  Eve7i  numbers  circle,  4.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  numbers  indicated  will  each 
execute  a  small  circle,  and  take  their  positions  behind  the 
riders  they  pass  while  circling. 

Being  in  column  of  twos  instead  of  single  file,  the  first 
and  every  alternate  twos  are  the  odd  numbers,  while  the  rest 
are  the  even  numbers.     With  threes  and  fours,  the  same. 

Plate  115  d. — To  circle  in  four  sections  in  the  manner 
shown,  command : 

1.  Four  circles,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  section  will  lead,  on  a  circle  toward  the  center,  in 
single  file  ;  the  leaders  must  not  turn  too  abruptly,  and  must 
make  the  circles  as  large  as  possible,  the  rest  following  ex- 
actly behind  them. 

Plate  115  e. — To  form  by  threes,  command  : 
1.  Form  threes,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  number  one  of  each  three  preserv- 
ing his  gait  and  position  on  the  circle,  the  rest  will  form  up 
gradually  by  decreasing  their  circles. 

To  form  by  twos,  command  : 
1.  Form  tivos,  2.  March. 

Plate  116a. — Having  formed  in  column  of  twos,  each  two 
to  circle,  command : 


JJOVEMEKTS  OK  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  89 


JZZ> 

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90  EmO-BIDINQ. 


1.  Tivos  circle,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  two  will  execute  a  small  circle  to  the  inside,  and 
move  forward  again  on  completing  the  same. 

Plate  116  b. — The  inside  rider  of  each  two  to  circle  and 
form  beside  the  following  outside  rider,  command : 

1.  Number  tivos  circle,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  number  ones  being  on  the  out- 
side, hold  their  gait  and  positions  on  the  circle ;  the  number 
twos  execute  a  small  circle,  which  will  bring  them  beside 
the  next  outside  riders.  Repeat  the  movement  until  the 
original  positions  have  been  regained. 

Plate  116  c. — Being  on  the  circle  in  column  of  twos,  to 
turn  and  halt,  all  facing  the  center  of  the  circle,  com- 
mand: 

1.  Twos  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  Halt. 
At  the  command  Halt,  each  two  will  execute  a  short  turn 
to  the  right  and  halt.  Each  two  must  be  at  an  equal  dis- 
tance from  the  riders  on  either  side,  and  directly  opposite 
the  proper  two  across  the  circle,  which  will  be  the  case  if 
their  positions  were  correct  while  circling,  and  if  all  halted 
in  the  same  manner. 

Plate  116  d. — One  rider  of  each  two  to  circle  simultaneous- 
ly around  each  rider  left  standing,  in  succession,  reforming 
beside  partner  when  all  around,  command : 

1.  Number  ones,  small  circles  outside,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  number  one  will  circle  around  each  number  two 
in  succession,  as  shown,  forming  again  beside  his  partner 
when  he  has  passed  all  around. 

Number  twos  will  execute  the  movement  in  the  same 
manner,  but  in  the  opposite  direction. 

To  circle  on  the  outside  only,  command : 

1.  Number  ones,  large  circle  oidside,  2.  March; 
when  each  number  one  will  turn  around  his  partner  and  go 
on  the  large  circle  in  file ;  having  passed  around  once  he  re- 
sumes his  place. 


MOVEMENTS  ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  91 


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92  EIXG-RIDINQ, 


Number  twos  turn  around  their  partners  and  circle  in 
the  opposite  direction. 

The  figure  can  he  further  varied;  as  the  number  ones 
approach  their  places,  while  executing  the  preceding  figure, 
command : 

1.  Number  iwos,  change,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  number  two,  as  number  one  turns  to  take  his 
place,  turns  sharply  around,  and  circles  in  the  same  direc- 
tion. 

Plate  116  e. — To  execute  this  movement,  command : 

1.  Number  ones,  right  and  left  all  around,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  number  one  will  turn  to  the  right  around  his 
partner,  then  turning  to  the  left  around  the  next  number 
two,  then  to  the  right  and  left,  until  all  around,  when  he  will 
resume  his  original  position. 

The  number  twos  execute  the  movement  in  the  opposite 
direction,  on  command : 

1.  Number  twos,  left  and  right  turn  all  around, 

2.  March. 

Plate  117  a. — For  this  movement,  command  : 

1.  Number  ones,  small  circles  inside,  2.  March. 

This  is  similar  to  Plate  116  cZ,  except  that  the  circles  are 
executed  from  the  inside  of  the  circle,  and  ending  by  circling 
around  the  partners  and  resuming  places. 

Executed  by  the  number  twos  in  the  opposite  direction. 

Plate  117  b. — For  this  movement,  command : 

1.  Number  ones  circle  and  figure  eight,  2.  March; 
when  each  number  one  will  turn  around  his  partner  and 
go  on  the  outside  circle.  Having  completed  the  circle, 
he  will  execute  a  figure-of-eight  around  his  partner  and 
the  next  number  two,  as  shown,  and  then  resume  his 
place. 

The  number  twos  execute  the  movement  in  the  same 
manner,  but  in  the  opposite  direction. 


MOVEMENTS   ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  93 


116 


94  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  117  c. — For  this  figure,  command  : 

1.  First  mid  opposite  twos,  forward  and  circle, 

2.  March  ; 

when  the  twos  indicated  will  move  forward,  and,  circling 
around  each  other  in  the  center,  again  move  forward,  and 
right  about  into  the  position  vacated  by  the  opposite  two. 
Executed  by  the  rest  in  succession,  on  command. 

Plate  117  d. — This  is  the  same  as  the  movement  just  ex- 
plained, but  only  executed  by  one  from  each  two,  thus  ex- 
changing partners.  Command  by  numbers.  Number  ones 
will  right  turn  into  place,  while  the  number  twos  will  left 
turn. 

Plate  117  e. — For  this  figure,  command  : 

1.  First  and  opposite  twos  foriuard,  circle,  and  pass 
around,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  twos  indicated  will  move  forward,  and,  circling 
around  each  other  in  the  center,  again  move  forward,  and 
regain  their  original  positions  by  circling  one  half  around 
on  the  outside,  as  shown. 

Executed  by  the  rest,  on  command. 

In  these  movements,  started  from  a  halt,  the  gait  to  be 
assumed,  unless  a  walk,  should  be  indicated  in  the  command, 
or  understood  by  explanation  from  the  instructor. 

Plate  118  a. — Being  in  four  ranks  on  the  circle,  opposite 
ranks  to  change  places  by  circles,  command : 

1.  Odd  threes  circle,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  threes  indicated  will  circle,  as 
shown.  The  others  will  keep  their  position  and  gait  on  the 
circle.  While  the  odd  threes  are  circling,  the  even  threes 
will  have  gone  one  half  around  the  circle.  The  original 
positions  are  resumed  by  repeating  the  command  for  the 
even  threes. 

Plate  118  h. — Opposite  ranks  to  change  places  by  circling 
around  each  other,  command  : 


MOVEMENTS  ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  95 


117 


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96  PdNG-RIDIKG. 


1.  Odd  threes  forward,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  threes  indicated  will  move  for- 
ward, by  gradually  decreasing  their  circles,  until  they  pass 
each  other  in  the  center  of  the  circle,  when  they  will  increase 
their  circles  again,  until  they  are  again  on  the  circle  in  posi- 
tion ;  their  gait  need  not  be  increased  while  executing  the 
movement. 

Unless  this  movement  is  carefully  explained,  the  riders 
think  that  they  must  rush  forward  to  pass  the  rank  ahead, 
which  is  unnecessary,  as  the  smaller  and  decreasing  circles 
they  ride  on  bring  them  ahead  of  the  other  tlijees,  that  re- 
main at  their  regular  gait  and  position  on  the  circle. 

To  replace  in  the  original  positions,  repeat  the  command 
for  the  even  threes. 

Plate  118  c. — Opposite  threes  to  change  positions,  the 
riders  changing  their  positions  at  the  same  time,  command : 

1.  Odd  threes,  single  file,  forward,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  odd  threes  break  off  in  single 
file  toward  the  center  and  move  on  decreasing  circles  until 
they  pass  in  the  center,  when  they  go  out  to  the  circle  again, 
forming  again  in  the  original  formation,  but  with  reversed 
positions  of  the  individual  riders. 

After  the  even  threes  have  executed  the  movement,  it 
must  be  repeated  by  both,  to  bring  the  riders  back  to  their 
original  positions. 

Plate  lis  d.— To  form  sixes,  the  class  being  in  single  file, 
command : 

1.  Form  sixes,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  each  rider— except  those  on  the 
lead  of  each  six,  who  preserve  their  gait  and  position  on  the 
circle— will  gradually  decrease  his  circle  and  slightly,  if  at 
all,  increase  the  gait,  until  line  has  been  formed. 

Plate  118  e.— To  break  off  from  the  inside  flank  in  single 
file,  command : 

1.  Single  file  from  the  right  (or  left),  2.  March. 


MOVEMENTS   ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  97 


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98  EIXG-RIDINQ, 


At  the  command  March,  the  inside  flank  riders  of  each  sec- 
tion will  turn  more  or  less  to  the  right,  and  all  gradually- 
increasing  their  circles,  spread  out  in  "  fan-shape  "  to  the  cir- 
cle, as  shown. 

To  break  off  in  single  file  from  the  outside  flank,  com- 
mand : 

1.  Single  file  from  the  left  (or  right),  2,  Maech. 
At  the  command  March,  the  outside  flank  rider  of  each  sec- 
tion will  increase  his  gait  and  move  forward  on  the  circle ; 
the  rest  gradually  increase  their  circle,  and  in  succession 
move  forward  from  the  line  at  the  increased  gait ;  those  who 
remain  always  preserving  a  straight  line  until  the  last  rider 
falls  back  on  the  circle. 

Plate  119  a. — To  assume  the  position  shown,  the  class  be- 
ing in  two  sections  on  the  circle,  command : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  turn,  2,  March  ; 
and  as  the  sections  turn, 

3.  Attention,  4.  Halt  ; 
when  the  two  sections  will  halt  opposite  to  each  other,  as 
shown. 

From  this  position  the  following  movements  are  executed, 

Plate  1191). — For  this  movement,  command  : 

1.  Single  file  right  (or  left),  left,  {or  right)  circle, 

2.  March; 

when  each  section  will  break  off  in  single  file  from  the  right 
or  pivot  flank,  and  pass  on  to  the  circle  to  the  left,  or  oppo- 
site to  the  original  direction. 

Plate  119c. — For  this  movement,  command: 

1.  Single  file  left  (or  right),  left  (or  right)  circle, 

2.  March  ; 

when  each  section  will  break  off  in  single  file  from  the  left 
flank  to  the  circle  to  the  left,  as  shown. 

Plate  119  d. — For  this  movement,  command : 
1.  Threes  right  and  left  circle,  2.  March  ; 


MOVEMENTS   ON  TEE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  99 


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100  RING-RIDING. 


when  each  half-section  will  execute  a  circle  to  the  right  or 
left,  as  shown. 

Before  they  finish  the  circle,  the  command  for  the  next 
movement  to  follow  should  be  given. 

Plate  119  e. — To  execute  this  movement,  command : 
1.  Threes  right  and  left,  2.  March  ; 

3.  Sixes  left  turn,  4.  March. 

At  the  second  command  each  three  will  turn  to  the  right  or 
left,  and  at  the  fourth  command,  wheel  by  sixes  on  to  the 
circle  to  the  left. 

A  repetition  of  the  whole  movement,  starting  from  the 
circle,  will  bring  the  sections  back  to  their  original  position 
and  direction  on  the  circle ;  the  commands  being : 

1.  Left  turn,  2.  March,  3.  Threes  right  and  left, 

4.  March,  5.  Sixes  right  turn,  6.  March. 

Plate  120  a. — For  this  movement,  command : 
1.  Threes  rigid  and  left  about,  2.  March, 
3.  Threes  right  (or  left)  on  circle,  4.  March. 
At  the  second  command  each  three  will  execute  a  half-circle 
to  the  right  or  left,  and  at  the  fourth  command  wheel  to  the 
right  on  the  circle. 

Plate  120  b. — To  execute  this  movement,  command : 
1.  Threes  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March, 
3.  'Columns  left  (or  right)  on  circle,  4.  March. 
At  the  second  command  each  three  will  turn  to  the  right, 
and  at  the  fourth  command  each  section  will  go  on  the  cir- 
cle to  the  left  in  double  ranks. 

TO  FORM  LINE. 

Plate  120  c. — The  class  being  in  single  file  on  the  circle, 
command : 

1.  Form  line,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  leading  rider  preserving  his 
gait  and  position  on  the  circle,  the  rest  gradually  decrease 


MOVEMENTS  ON  THE  CENTER   CIRCLE.  101 


120 


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102  RING-EIDING. 


their  circles  until  formed  in  line.  As  soon  as  the  line  is 
formed,  the  riders  toward  the  outside  flank  must  increase 
their  gait. 

Plate  120  d. — To  form  in  line,  the  class  being  in  two  sec- 
tions on  the  circle,  command  : 
1.  Form  line,  2.  March. 
At  the  command  March,  the  second  section  will  gradually 
decrease  its  circle,  and  thus  apjjroach  and  form  up  to  the 
first  section,  which  has  kept  its  gait  and  position  on  the 
circle.  As  soon  as  line  is  formed,  the  outside  flank  must  in- 
crease its  gait. 

^        Plate  120  e. — The  class  being  on  the  circle  in  column  of 
twos,  the  inside  riders  to  change  direction,  command  ; 
1.  Number  twos  right  (or  left)  about,  2.  March; 
when  each  inside  rider  will  execute  a  right  about  and  go  in 
the  opposite  direction,  as  shown. 

Plate  121a. — The  two  sections  circling  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, as  the  leaders  approach  each  other,  command  : 

1.  Pight  (or  left)  about,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  rider  will  execute  a  right  about  around  and  with 
the  opposite  rider,  and  then  go  in  the  other  direction.     Or, 
command : 

1.  Circle,  2.  March  : 
when  each  rider  will  circle  around  and  with  the  opposite 
rider,  and  go  forward  again  in  the  same  direction  as  be- 
fore. 

Plate  121b. — The  two  sections  to  change  places  without 
changing  direction,  as  the  leaders  approach  each  other,  com- 
mand : 

1.  All  change,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  riders  will  pass  in  between  each  other,  as  shown, 
bringing  the  inside  riders  to  the  outside  circle  and  the  outside 
riders  to  the  inside  circle. 


M0VEME:N'TS  on  tee  center   circle.  103 


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104  RmO-RTDING. 


THE   GRAND   CHAIN. 

Plate  121  c. — For  this,  command  : 

1.  Right  and  left  all  around,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  riders  will  alternately  pass  to  the  right  and  left  of 
each  other  until  completely  around  the  circle  ;  or,  when  one 
half  around,  command : 

1.  Right  about,  2.  March  ; 
when  all  will  turn  around  their  opposites  and  right  and  left 
in  the  other  direction. 

Plate  121  d. — The  two  sections  to  change  in  column,  with- 
out changing  direction,  command : 

1.  Columns  change,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  two  columns  will  pass  each  other  to  the  right,  as 
shown.  When  the  outside  section  is  on  the  circle  to  the  left, 
they  pass  each  other  to  the  left.  At  the  command  MarcHj 
the  last  riders  of  the  outside  section  will  increase  their  gait, 
in  order  to  have  less  distance  as  they  get  inside  ;  the  leader, 
as  he  passes  inside,  must  make  the  circle  ate  large  as  possible. 

Plate  121  e. — To  form  again  in  column  of  twos,  command : 
1.  Numher  twos  right  (or  left)  about,  2.  March. 
The  command  being  given  at  the  proper  moment,  the  inside 
riders  will  right  about  and  form,  up  beside  their  respective 
partners. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS,  ETC. 

As  the  examples  given  in  Plates  123  and  123  hardly  need 
any  explanation,  only  the  commands  are  given. 

Plate  i^^.— Commands : 
a  1.  Half-school,  March. 

2.  Ticos  right  and  left,  March. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


105 


122 


106  EING-RIDING. 


b  3.  Center,  March. 

4.  Fou7'  circles,  March. 
c  5.  Center,  March. 

6.  Four  figure  eights,  March. 
d  7.  Center,  March. 

8.  Eight  and  left  turn,  March. 
Arriving  at  the  positions  shown  by  this  last  movement, 
various  other  movements,  already  explained,  can  follow. 

Plate  123. — The  class  being  in  the  jDositions  last  assumed 
(Plate  122),  commands : 

a  1.  Right  and  left  turn,  March. 
All  turning  in  the  direction  of  the  leaders. 

2.  Half-school,  March. 
The  columns  will  pass  each  other  to  the  left. 
h  3.  Center,  March. 
4.  Columns  right  turn,  March. 
Or,  to  bring  all  together  again  by  fours, 
c  1.  Center,  March. 

2.  Form  fours,  March, 

3.  Column  right  turn,  March. 

The  fours  will  always  be  formed  in  the  direction  that 
will  bring  number  one  on  the  outside  flank.  Or,  in  place 
of  &. 

d  1.  Center,  March. 

2.  Columns  left  change,  March. 

Plate  124. — The  class  being  at  a  halt,  in  line,  to  change 
the  positions  of  the  riders  as  to  either  flank,  command : 
1.  In  file  from  the  right  (or  left)  retire,  2.  March. 

3.  Left  (or  right),  4.  Dress. 

At  the  command  March,  the  rider  on  the  right  flank  will 
turn  on  a  small  circle  to  the  right,  and,  passing  behind  the 
rear  of  the  line,  come  up  into  the  position  before  occupied 
by  the  rider  on  the  left  flank.  The  other  riders,  having  fol- 
lowed him  in  single  file,  successively  form  up  in  line  on  the 
right  and  dress  to  the  left. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


107 


108  RING-RIDma. 


Plate  125, — The  class  being  in  column  of  twos  at  the  wall, 
the  column  to  open  and  the  riders  to  pass  through  by  twos 
from  rear  to  front,  command  : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  separate,  twos  from  rear  to  front, 

2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  inside  riders  will  oblique  suf- 
ficiently for  the  proper  execution  of  the  movement  and  then 
ride  parallel  with  and  opposite  their  partners.  Then  the 
last  two  riders  will  pass  in  between  the  riders  ahead  at  an 
increased  gait,  and  arriving  at  the  head  of  the  column  they 
will  separate,  and,  taking  the  lead,  resume  the  regular 
gait.  As  they  pass  the  next  last  riders,  these  will  follow 
them  in  the  same  manner  and  take  the  lead,  each  two  doing 
the  same  until  all  have  passed  to  the  front,  when  com- 
mand : 

1.  Form  twos,  2.  March  ; 
when  the  original  formation  will  be  resumed. 

Plate  126. — To  pass  through  the  center  of  the  ring  in 
cross-form,  the  class  being  at  the  wall  in  column  of  threes  ; 
as  the  head  of  the  column  turns  on  to  either  end,  com- 
mand: 

1.  Center,  second  and  third  threes  form  six, 

2,  March  ; 

when  the  second  and  third  threes  will  form  six  on  turning, 
as  shown,  and  the  column  pass  through  the  ring  in  the  cross- 
formation. 

Plate  127. — Being  in  the  cross-form,  on  arriving  at  the 
other  end  of  the  ring,  to  assume  the  original  formation,  com- 
mand : 

1.  Column  right  (or  left),  threes  right  (or  left), 

2,  March  ; 

when  the  column  will  pass  to  the  right  and  the  second  and 
third  threes  right  turn  at  the  wall,  thus  resuming  the  origi- 
nal formation,  but  going  on  the  other  hand. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


109 


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110  BIXO-BIDmG. 


Plate  128. — The  class  being  in  column  of  sixes  at  the  wall 
on  one  side,  to  cross  the  ring  in  columns  of  twos,  command : 

1.  Twos  right  (or  left)  turii,  2.  March  ; 

when  each  section  will  cross  the  ring  in  column  of  twos, 
guiding  by  the  right. 

Plate  129. — To  cross  in  column  of  threes,  command : 
1.  Threes  right  (or  left)  turn,  2.  March  ; 
when  each  section  will  cross  the  ring  in  column  of  threes,  as 
shown. 

Plate  130. — Crossing  the  ring  in  column  of  threes  (or 
twos,  as  shown  in  Plate  128),  as  the  leaders  reach  the  other 
side,  command  : 

1.  Form  sixes  left  (or  right),  2.  March  ; 
when  the  original  formation  will  be  resumed,  although  in 
the  other  direction. 

Plate  131. — Crossing  the  ring  in  the  same  way  as  the  pre- 
ceding, to  go  on  the  wall  in  column  of  threes,  command  : 

1.  Threes  in  column,  left,  (or  right),  2.  March; 

when  the  movement  will  be  executed  as  shown. 


In  the  following  plates  are  given  several  examples  of 
continuous  and  combined  movements  or  finished  figures. 
The  movements  need  not  be  executed  in  the  quick  succes- 
sion, as  given  on  the  plates ;  the  class  can  ride  one  half  or 
once  (or  more  if  desired)  around  the  ring  after  executing  one 
movement  before  executing  the  next. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTION'S. 


Ill 


129 


130 


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112  EING-RIDmG. 


Plate  132. — The  class  being  in  column  of  fours  at  the  wall, 
commands : 
.   a  1.  Column  change ,  first  file  quarter-circle,  March. 

2.  Fourth  file  quarter-circle,  March. 

h  3.  Column  left,  third  file  quarter-circle,  March. 

4.  Column  right,  second  file  quarter-circle,  March. 
c  5.  Center,  March. 

6.  First  and  second  file  change, 

Third  and  fourth  file  quarter-circle,  March. 

7.  First  and  second  file  quarter-circle. 
Third  and  fourth  file  change,  March. 

d  8.  Center,  March. 

9.  Column  right,  March. 

To  bring  the  riders  back  to  their  original  positions,  repeat 
the  figure  or  execute  the  next  figure  (Plate  133).  After  the 
leaders  know  the  figure,  the  commands  can  be  shortened^, 
as  below,  or  omitted  altogether  : 

a  1.  Change  and  circle,  March. 

3.  Circle,  March. 

6  3.  Left  turn  and  circle,  March. 

4.  Right  turn  and  circle,  March. 
c  5.  Center,  March. 

6.  Left  circle,  right  change,  March. 

7.  Change  and  circle,  March. 
d  8.  Center,  March. 

9,  Column  right,  March. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


113 


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114  RIKG-RIDING, 


Plate  133. — The  class  being  in  column  of  fours  at  the 
wall,  commands : 

a  1.  First  file  circle,  March, 
h  2.  Second  file  circle,  March. 
c  3.  Third  file  circle,  March. 
d  4.  Fourth  file  circle,  March. 

This  movement  can  also  be  executed  by  columns  of  twos 
circling. 

Plate  13Jf. — Commands  : 
a  1.  First  file,  all  right  turn,  March. 
h  2.  Second  file,  all  right  turn,  March. 
c  3.  Third  file,  all  right  turn,  March. 
d  4.  Fourth  file,  all  right  turn,  March. 

Repeat  the  figure  to  bring  the  riders  back  to  their  original 
positions,  or  execute  the  movement  given  in  Plate  45. 

This  figure  is  similar  to  the  preceding  (Plate  133),  but  can 
only  be  ridden  by  about  four  ranks,  according  to  the  size  of 
the  ring. 

Plate  135. — Commands  • 
a  1.  First  file  change,  March. 
h  2.  Second  file  change,  March. 
c  3.  Third  file  change,  March. 
d  4.  Fourth  file  change,  March. 

This  figure  is  similar  to  the  figure,  Plate  133,  the  files  break- 
ing off  and  changing  to  the  other  hand,  instead  of  circling. 

To  bring  the  riders  back  to  their  original  positions,  repeat 
the  figure,  or  change  the  column  in  any  manner. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOVR  SECTIONS, 


115 


.133 


116 


RING-RIDING. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


117 


118  RmG-RIDING. 


Plate  136. — Commands : 

a    1.  Forward  {trot),  March. 

2.  Single  file  right  {trot),  March. 

3.  Half-school,  March. 
h    4.  Change,  March. 

5.  Form  twos,  March. 
c    6.  Half-school,  March. 

7.  Forward,  March. 

8.  Form  fours,  March. 

9.  Change,  March. 

d  10.  Quarter-circle,  March. 

11.  Forward,  March. 

12.  Large  circle,  March. 
e  13.  Change,  March. 

14.  Form  eights,  March. 

15.  Large  circle,  March. 
/  16.  Forward,  March. 

17.  Quarter -circle,  March. 

18.  Forward,  March. 

19.  Change,  March. 

g  20.  Large  circle,  March. 

h  21.  Change,  right  oblique,  March. 

22.  Form  line,  March. 
i  23.  Large  circle,  March. 

24.  Forward^  March. 

25.  Left  wheel,  March. 

26.  Attention,  Halt. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


119 


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120  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  137. — Commands : 

a    1.  Forward,  trot,  March. 

3.  Fours  right,  March. 

h    3.  Single  file  right  turn,  March. 

4.  Form  fours  left,  March. 

c    5.  Fours  small  circle,  March. 

d    6.  Second  and  third  fours  form  eight,  center,  March. 

7.  Fours  left,  eight  right,  March. 
e    8.  Right  and  left  turn,  March. 

9.  Right  and  left  circle,  March. 

10.  Forward,  March. 

11.  Right  and  left  turn,  March. 
/  12.  Center,  March. 

13.  Fours  left,  eight  right,  March. 

14.  Right  and  left  turn,  March. 
g  15.  Right  and  left  circle,  March. 

16.  Forward,  March. 

17.  Right  and  left  turn,  March. 

18.  Center,  March. 

7i  19.  Column  right,  fours  right,  March. 
i  20.  Change,  March. 

21.  Left  turn  in  line,  March, 

22.  Attention,  Halt. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


121 


122  RING-RIDING. 


Plate  138. — Commands  : 

a    1.  Twos  from  the  right,  in  succession  forward,  March. 

2.  Column  right,  trot,  March. 
h    3.  Center,  March. 

4.  Bight  and  left  form  tivos,  March. 
c    5.  Right  a7id  left  form  fours,  center,  March. 

6.  Bight  and  left  single  file  retire,  March. 

7.  Bight  and  left  change,  March. 
d    8,  Center,  March. 

9.  Bight  and  left  single  file  retire,  March. 

10.  Bight  and  left  change,  March. 
e  11.  Center,  March. 

12.  Single  file  right  and  left,  March. 
/  13.  Bight  and  left  form  line,  March. 

14.  Bight  and  left  circle,  March. 
g  15.  Single  file  right  and  left,  center,  March. 

IG.  Bight  and  left  form  line,  March. 

h  17.  Single  file  right  and  left,  center,  March. 

18.  Bight  and  left,  March. 

19.  Bight  and  left  change,  March. 
i  20,  Column  right,  March. 

21.  On  right  in  line,  March. 
32.  Attention,  Halt. 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FOUR  SECTIONS. 


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124  RING-RIDING. 


TANDEM  RIDING. 

No  doubt  most  people  know  what  "  tandem  riding "  is ; 
but,  for  the  sake  of  those  who  do  not,  I  will  explain  that  it  is 
riding  one  horse  while  driving  another. 

Except  in  high-school  riding,  tandem  should  not  be  rid- 
den by  less  than  four  riders.  Naturally,  the  more  riders 
that  can  take  part,  the  better  will  be  the  appearance  and 
effect ;  the  number  that  can  take  part  is  only  limited  by  the 
size  of  the  ring. 

All  the  simple  and  most  of  the  more  complicated  move- 
ments can  be  ridden  in  tandem,  and  the  effect  and  ensemble 
of  figures  ridden  by  eight  or  twelve  riders  are  very  beauti- 
ful and  effective.  In  riding  with  only  four  riders,  the  move- 
ments not  being  as  susceptible  of  variation  as  with  eight  or 
twelve  riders,  the  various  figures  are  ridden  at  first  in  a  trot, 
and  then  the  same  or  different  figures  in  a  gallop. 

The  requirements  for  successful  tandem  riding  are  a  cool 
head,  a  good  seat  in  the  saddle,  a  well-trained  saddle-horse, 
and  a  leader  that  goes  well  against  the  bit  without  pulling, 
and  will  drive  wherever  wanted  without  any  swerving. 

The  whip  should  be  used  without  snapping  it  when  in 
line,  and  even  in  single  file  it  should  only  be  used  to  touch 
up  the  leader  when  necessary.  It  should  be  held  at  an  angle 
of  about  forty-five  degrees  and  slightly  inclined  to  the  left 
side,  about  over  the  left  ear  of  the  saddle-horse. 

In  Plates  139  and  140  are  given  an  example  of  a  tandem 
figure  for  eight  riders,  that  was  ridden  with  great  success  by 
the  New  York  Riding  Club  at  one  of  its  annual  finish  rides, 
the  club  receiving  and  deserving  great  applause  for  the  fine 
execution  of  the  different  movements, 

Plates  141  and  142  give  an  example  of  a  figure  for  twelve 
riders.  Tliis  was  also  ridden  by  the  same  club,  but  with  a 
repetition  of  some  of  the  movements  and  a  few  extra  move- 
ments, which  have  been  left  out  on  account  of  space.  This 
also  received  and  merited  great  applause. 


TANDEM  RIDING. 


125 


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126  RING-RIDING. 


In  these  movements  the  commander  is  preferably  the  last 
rider,  as  from  this  position  he  can  oversee  the  movements  of 
the  rest  of  the  riders  perfectly. 


TANDEM    FOR    EIGHT    RIDERS. 

Plate  139. — Enter  the  ring  in  single  file,  commands ; 
a    1.  Form  line,  March. 

2.  Center,  March. 
h    3.  Attention,  Salute. 

4.  Single  file  left,  trot,  March. 

5.  Change,  March. 

c    6.  Form  tivos,  March. 

7.  Take  distance, 
cl    8.  Circle,  March. 
e    9.  Eight  about,  March. 
/  10.  Circle,  March. 
g  11.  Left  about,  March. 
h  12.  Center  circle,  March. 
i  13.  Odd  numbers  forward,  March. 
14.  Even  numbers  forward,  March. 

Plate  IJfi. — Commands : 

J  15.  Form  fours,  March. 

h  1%.  Left,  turn  to  ivall,  March. 

17.  Quarter-circle,  March. 
I  18.  Change,  March. 

19.  Circle,  March. 
m  20.  Change,  March. 

21.  Circle,  March. 


TANDEM  RIDING. 


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128  RINQ-RIDma. 


n  22.  Half-school,  March. 

23.  Single  file  left,  March. 
o  24.  Left  turn,  March. 
p  25.  Left  turn,  March. 
q  26.  Change,  March. 

27.  Form  fours,  March. 
r  28.  Second  section  circle,  March. 

29.  Chatige,  March. 

30.  Single  file  from  the  left,  March. 

Exit. 


TANDEM   FOR   TWELVE   RIDERS. 

Plate  IJi-l. — Enter  the  ring  in  single  file,  commands 
a    1.  Right  turn  in  line,  March. 

2.  Attention,  Salute. 
h    3.  Single  file  left,  trot,  March. 

4.  Change,  March. 
c    5.  Form  tivos,  March. 
d    6.  Second  file  circle,  March. 
e    7.  Half-school,  March. 
/    8.  Form  twos,  March. 

9.  Center,  March. 
g  10.  Four  circles,  March. 
11.  Four  circles,  March. 
h  12.  Sections  left,  March. 
i  13.  Form  sixes,  March. 


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TANDEM  RIDIXG. 


129 


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130  RINQ-RIDING. 


Plate  lJf2. — Commands  : 

j  14.  Single  file  right  turn,  March. 

15.  Form  sixes,  March. 
k  16.  Single  file  right  turn,  March, 
I  17.  Second  file  circle,  March. 

18.  Center,  March. 
-m  19.  Right  and  left  form  twos,  March. 

20.  Center,  March. 

n  21.  Right  and  left  form  line,  March. 

22.  Center,  March. 

23.  Attention,  Halt, 

o  24.  Twos  from  center,  trot,  March. 

25.  Column  right,  March. 
jp  26.  Form  fours,  March. 

27.  Form  line,  March. 
q  28.  Change,  March. 
r  29.  Single  file  left  turn,  March. 
Exit. 


TANDEM  RIDING. 


131 


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132  RING-RIDING. 


JUMPING. 

Although  tliere  are  some  riders  who  have  horses  that 
can  jump  exceptionally  well  and  high,  for  the  majority  of 
riders  it  can  hardly  be  of  interest  to  practice  jumping  for 
the  purpose  of  seeing  over  how  high  a  hurdle  they  can  get 
their  horses  to  jump ;  neither  is  it  advisable  to  practice  very 
high  jumping,  as  it  has  some  elements  of  danger  that  one 
should  not  incur.  Leave  that  to  the  professional  or  the  en- 
thusiast. 

Jumping  over  moderately  high  hurdles  or  bars  can  do  no 
harm,  and  is  of  especial  benefit  in  imf)roving  the  rider's  seat 
and  the  grip  of  the  legs,  and  making  it  immaterial  to  him  if 
he  does  occasionally  lose  one  or  both  stirrups. 

I  would  recommend  a  class  to  practice  by  jumping  the  hur- 
dle first  in  single  file,  then  forming  and  jumping  the  hurdle 
by  twos,  then  by  threes  and  fours,  and,  if  there  be  room,  with 
still  more  in  line ;  this  will  help  very  much  toward  perfect- 
ing the  rider's  control  of  his  horse,  as  he  must  keep  in  line 
while  approaching  and  crossing  the  bars  as  well  as  in  ordi- 
nary movements,  probably  very  hard  to  do  at  first,  but  be- 
coming more  easy  at  each  attempt. 

The  hurdle  can  at  first  be  kept  quite  low  and  raised  grad- 
ually, but  at  no  time  for  class  riding  higher  than  any  ordi- 
narily good  jumper  can  easily  clear. 

Sometimes  a  sluggish  horse  will  touch  the  bars,  even  if 
low,  then  he  must  be  animated  and  spiirred  to  arouse  him  to 
a  sense  of  his  duty.  Although  not  advocating  very  high 
jumping,  still  the  bars  should  be  put  high  enough  to  give 
the  horses  some  ambition  to  exert  themselves. 

The  class  could  also  practice  jumping  in  tandem  riding, 
'and  figures  could  be  made  to  include  jumping  at  certain 
points. 

In  jumping,  all  horses  are  inclined  to  become  excited,  and 
the  riders  should  allay  their  excitement,  or  at  least  not  in- 
crease it,  by  keeping  cool  themselves  and  only  calling  on  the 
horse  for  extra  exertion  at  the  proper  moment. 


EIQE-SCHOOL  AND  OTHER  FORMS  OF  FANCY  RIDING.  133 


HIGH-SCHOOL  AND  OTHER  FORMS  OF  FANCY  RIDING. 

High-school  refers  to  the  schooling  of  the  horse  in 
movements  further  advanced  than  the  ordinary  straight- 
forward riding  in  walk,  trot,  or  gallop.  Movements,  how- 
ever, which  belong  to  the  high-school,  but  should  neverthe- 
less be  taught  to  every  well-trained  saddle-horse  to  perfect 
his  schooling,  do  not  constitute  "  high-school " ;  such  are  the 
movements  on  two  paths,  called  "  shoulder  in,"  "  shoulder 
out,"  and  the  "  travers"  Not  only  are  these  movements 
good  for  the  horse,  but  it  would  be  well  for  the  class  to 
practice  them  for  its  own  improvement,  and  especially  for 
the  use  of  the  legs,  which  they  necessitate,  and  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  different  effects  to  be  realized  by  the  proper  use 
of  the  reins  gained  thereby. 

There  are  very  few  horses  fully  trained  in  the  different 
high-school  moveiuents  on  and  over  the  ground,  the  vast 
majority  being  only  in  the  primary  department,  so  to  speak, 
and  their  training  limited  to  the  so-called  SjMnish  lualh  and 
trot  or  hop. 

Nothing  can  be  more  pleasing  to  the  lover  of  the  horse 
than  to  see  one  fully  trained  going  through  his  paces — the 
movements  on  two  paths  in  walk,  trot,  and  gallop ;  the  Span- 
ish walk  and  trot  and  the  piaffe  ;  the  gallop  change  at  any 
certain  number  of  steps ;  the  pirouette  in  gallop ;  kneeling, 
rearing,  leaping  on  the  spot,  the  parade  on  ending  the  gallop, 
the  backward  gallop,  and  so  forth. 

High-school  is  essentially  a  prominent  feature  of  ring- 
riding,  but  requires  no  special  designing  of  movements,  any 
simple  figures  being  ridden  that  will  show  the  different 
paces  to  the  best  advantage.  If  four  or  more  are  riding, 
similar  figures  are  ridden  in  unison ;  or  a  regular  quadrille 
figure  can  be  devised,  with  the  same  object  in  view. 

Any  one  desiring  to  become  thoroughly  proficient  in 
"  high-school "  will  find  the  best  way  to  be,  to  start  and 
finish  training  a  horse  in  the  high-school  movements  with 
the  aid  and  under  the  guidance  of  a  competent  instructor. 


134  RING-RIDING. 


In  this  way  he  will  become  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
I)rinciples  of  the  different  paces,  movements,  and  positions 
connected  therewith. 

Other  forms  of  fancy  riding  are  "  high-school  tandem  " — 
a  beautiful  sight  when  both  horses  are  highly  trained ;  rid- 
ing one  horse  while  driving  a  team,  and  riding  one  horse 
while  driving  two  or  more  horses  in  tandem. 


GAMES. 


There  are  a  number  of  games  for  ring-riding,  all  tend- 
ing to  give  the  rider  confidence  and  to  improve  his  horse- 
manship. 

One  is,  catching  rings  on  a  short  sword,  from  an  arm  that 
automatically  replaces  a  ring  as  fast  as  one  is  taken  away, 
the  riders  going  around  the  ring  at  a  trot  or  gallop.  This  is 
the  same  as  those  placed  on  every  "  merry-go-round,"  and 
needs  no  further  explanation. 

Another  is,  to  ride  at  a  suspended  ring  with  a  spear,  and 
to  catch  the  ring  on  the  same ;  also  to  spear  a  head  placed 
on  a  post.  Sometimes  a  number  of  posts,  with  heads  and 
suspended  rings,  are  fixed  at  certain  places  about  the  ring, 
and  each  rider  must  follow  a  certain  course  and  execute  cer- 
tain movements,  all  tending  to  display  his  expertness  as  a 
rider,  in  addition  to  attempting  to  spear  the  heads  and  rings. 

"  Defending  the  Flag  "  is  a  game  where  two  riders  try  to 
prevent  a  third  from  taking  a  flag,  the  pole  of  which  is  stuck 
in  the  top  of  a  post  mounted  on  a  pedestal.  This,  while  quite 
interesting  and  exciting,  perhaps,  to  the  spectators,  does  not 
require  any  special  display  of  horsemanship. 

The  game  of  "  Tahiyig  the  Rosette  "  (Jeu  de  Barre),  some- 
times called  "  Tag,"  is,  on  the  contrary,  one  that  requires  the 
highest  development  of  horsemanship  and  judgment  to  be 
properly  ridden. 


GAMES.  135 

In  this  each  of  the  three  riders  has  a  rosette,  one  gener- 
ally red  and  the  others  white  and  blue  respectively,  pinned 
on  the  right  shoulder ;  each  rider,  in  succession,  attempts  to 
save  his  rosette  from  being  taken  by  one  of  the  other  two. 
The  rosette  can  only  be  taken  while  on  the  left  side  of  the 
rider  who  is  attacked,  and  by  reaching  across  his  back. 
Under  no  circumstances  must  the  riders  take  hold  of  each 
other  or  each  other's  horses. 

The  three  riders  enter  the  ring  at  short  intervals,  after 
two  judges,  and  are  assigned  to  their  respective  corners  by 
them.  At  a  command  from  the  judges,  when  all  are  ready, 
the  one  designated  rides  to  the  center  of  the  ring,  and  the 
others  then  attempt  to  take  his  rosette;  if  he  can  prevent 
their  doing  so  for  two  minutes,  when  the  judges  give  a  sig- 
nal, it  is  safe.  If  taken  away,  it  counts  one  point  for  the  one 
that  gets  it.  Generally  for  the  first  minute  no  serious  at- 
tempt is  made  to  secure  the  rosette,  but  a  signal  being  given 
at  the  end  of  the  first  minute  the  actual  endeavor  com- 
mences. 

The  one  saving  his  own  and  getting  one  of  the  others,  or 
losing  his  own  and  getting  both  of  the  others'  rosettes,  is 
declared  the  winner,  and  is  marched  in  triumph  around  the 
ring,  between  the  judges,  while  the  other  two  march  behind, 
before  they  make  their  exit. 

The  riders  should  go  at  a  short,  quick  gallop,  and  the 
one  attacked  must  not  try  to  save  his  rosette  by  simply  rush- 
ing away  from  the  others  at  a  fast  gait,  but  by  sudden  and 
unexpected  turns  and  stops  get  away  from  them,  or  place 
himself  in  such  a  position  that  the  rosette  can  not  be  taken, 
but  keep  going  all  the  time. 

This  game  is  one  of  the  most  interesting,  and,  when  well 
ridden,  the  winner  deserves  great  credit. 


136  RmG-RIDING. 


INSTRUCTION. 

The  course  of  instruction  for  a  class  or  club  tliat  desires 
to  excel  in  horsemanship  and  in  execution  of  movements 
should  be  thorough  and  systematic.  The  first  thing,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  is  to  teach  each  rider  how  to  moiint  and 
dismount  correctly.  The  riders  being  properly  mounted, 
and  going  around  the  ring  in  single  file  at  a  walk,  the  in- 
structor should  place  himself  so  as  to  see  every  one  and  note 
any  faults ;  he  should  see  that  each  rider  sits  correctly  and 
holds  his  reins  properly,  and  should  carefully  explain  the 
uses  of  the  reins  and  legs  in  controlling  and  guiding  the 
horse  for  the  execution  of  the  movements  and  changes  of 
gait. 

The  instructor  should  call  the  attention  of  each  particu- 
lar rider  to  any  fault  in  execution  made  by  him,  and  explain 
to  him  carefully  how  to  correct  or  avoid  the  same  for  the 
future.  If  a  fault  is  general,  then  he  should  exjilain  in  a 
general  way,  and  call  the  attention  of  all  to  it. 

After  going  through  any  movement  in  a  walk,  it  can  be 
repeated  in  a  trot ;  in  fact,  this  should  be  a  rule  in  trying 
any  movements  that  are  new  to  the  class,  to  first  ride 
through  them  in  a  walk,  and,  after  thorough  explanation  as 
to  what  is  desired,  then  in  a  trot. 

After  the  class  has  gone  around  the  ring  and  turned  the 
corners  properly,  the  quarter-circle,  large  circle,  and  lialf- 
scJiool  can  be  explained.  The  instructor  should  especially 
see  that  each  rider  goes  to  the  wall  at  the  proper  j)oint,  and 
that  each  horse  follows  exactly  behind  the  one  preceding ; 
also  that  proper  distances  are  kept.  In  turning  corners  and 
circles,  the  riders  are  apt  to  decrease  the  size  of  the  circle 
and  to  cut  off  the  corners ;  in  turning  quarter-circles,  very 
often  not  going  up  to  the  end  wall  at  all ;  this  can  only  cause 
irregularity  of  gait  and  loss  of  distances,  and  militates 
against  precision  of  execution. 

After  this  should  come  changing  direction  in  file,  and 
then  the  simultaneous  movements ;  in  these  the  instructor 


INSTEUCTIOX.  137 


must  see  tliat  the  riders  guide  properly,  so  that  all  start  and 
finish  a  movement  at  the  same  moment. 

Halting  in  file  should  be  practiced  until  the  riders  all  do 
so  in  about  the  same  distance ;  the  riders  must  be  careful  not 
to  lean  forward,  but  halt  the  horse  by  pressing  the  legs  tight- 
ly and  leaning  well  back  in  the  saddle,  as  already  explained. 

The  right  and  left  about  at  the  wall  or  in  the  ring  should 
be  carefully  practiced. 

After  the  rider  knows  how  to  guide  his  horse  properly  in 
the  walk  and  trot,  the  principles  of  the  gallop  should  be 
explained.  If  necessary,  each  rider  can  be  taken  in  hand 
separately  and  shown  how  to  make  the  horse  gallop,  how  to 
keep  him  in  the  gallop,  and  the  proper  positions  of  the  legs 
and  of  the  horse.  At  first,  whether  singly  or  in  file,  the  gal- 
lop is  apt  to  be  a  rush,  but  this  will  be  overcome  by  practice, 
and  as  the  rider  improves  in  the  control  of  his  horse.  The 
slower  a  gallop  can  be  executed  the  better  it  looks,  and  the 
speed  is  in  direct  sympathy  with  the  rider's  excellence  of 
horsemanship  and  the  horse's  training. 

After  the  proper  execution  of  movements  in  single  file, 
the  formations  by  twos,  threes,  and  fours  can  be  attempted, 
and  the  different  movements  executed  in  succession,  in  col- 
umn of  twos,  threes,  and  fours. 

As  the  outside  flank  riders  must  increase  their  gait  in 
turning  a  corner  or  circle,  they  are  liable  to  keep  it  up  after 
the  straight  line  has  been  resumed  ;  this  must  be  avoided  by 
all  means,  as  it  increases  the  gait  without  command  and  pre- 
vents the  proper  execution  of  any  movement.  The  change 
of  gait,  increasing  or  decreasing,  should  be  prompt,  but  at 
the  same  time  gradual. 

After  forming  twos,  threes,  and  fours,  the  breaking  off 
into  file  or  by  twos  from  either  flank  can  follow;  then  form- 
ing threes  from  twos,  and  vice  versa  ;  then  forming  by  six, 
eight,  or  in  line,  from  single  file,  twos  or  fours,  and  breaking 
off  from  the  same. 

Circling  in  line  should  receive  careful  attention,  both  on 
the  fixed  and  movable  pivot. 


138  RING-EIDING. 


After  the  simple  movemeuts  are  well  understood,  the 
movements  on  the  circle  and  the  more  complicated  varia- 
tions of  the  simple  movements  can  be  taken  up. 

To  improve  the  riders  in  the  use  of  the  legs  and  reins,  as 
well  as  to  improve  the  feeling  of  the  horses  for  the  same,  it 
is  well  to  occasionally  practice  the  movements  on  two  paths 
around  the  ring  in  both  directions ;  also  to  turn  the  horses  on 
the  fore  and  hind  quarters. 

The  instructor  should  make  it  a  point  to  have  all  the 
movements  executed  equally  in  both  directions,  and  that  the 
class  rides  as  much  on  one  hand  as  on  the  other,  whether  at  a 
walk,  trot,  or  gallop.  This  rule  is  generally  not  observed, 
with  the  result  that  nearly  all  horses  ridden  in  the  ring  are 
one-sided,  and  a  good  many  riders  can  not  gallop  as  well  on 
the  left  as  on  the  right  hand. 

In  going  through  the  ring  in  line,  the  command  having 
been  given  to  guide  in  either  direction,  the  riders  are  prone 
to  press  toward  the  flank  indicated  ;  this  is  caused  by  an  in- 
voluntary drawing  of  the  reins,  from  looking  in  that  direc- 
tion ;  the  riders  should  go  straight  ahead,  without  pressure 
toward  either  side,  and  only  glance  toward  the  flank  they 
are  to  guide  by. 

For  simple  practice  and  improvement  it  is  best  not  to 
ride  any  movements  in  regular  succession,  but  keep  on 
changing  continually,  and  thoroughly  practice  all  possible 
movements  and  combinations,  as  may  be  found  desirable  for 
certain  purposes  by  the  instructor.  If,  however,  it  is  in- 
tended to  ride  some  special  figures  for  a  special  occasion, 
the  figures  should  be  formulated  and  tried,  and,  after  correc- 
tion, be  strictly  adhered  to  thereafter  until  the  occasion  has 
jjassed. 

For  practice,  no  regular  rotation  can  be  of  any  service,  as 
the  mind  must  be  kept  alert  from  expectation,  which  is  im- 
possible except  by  continual  changes;  for  an  exhibition,  on 
the  contrary,  the  movements  should  be  so  well  drilled  as  to 
hardly  need  the  commands. 


ROAD-BIDING  IN   GLASS.  139 


EOAD-RIDING  IN  CLASS. 

Should  the  club  or  class  desire  to  ride  outside,  any  move- 
ments that  may  be  called  for  are  naturally  executed  on  the 
left  hand,  unless  otherwise  commanded  ;  the  law  requiring 
all  to  keep  to  the  right,  the  position  on  the  road  is  the  same 
as  in  the  ring,  going  to  the  left,  so  all  formations  must  be  to 
the  left,  and  the  guide  by  the  right  flank. 

The  object  of  riding  outside  being  to  arrive  at  some  place 
agreed  ui)on,  the  endeavor  is  to  get  there  as  soon  as  possible, 
with  a  reasonable  interspersion  of  walking  and  trotting,  or 
an  occasional  gallop  when  going  up  a  hill,  therefore  the  move- 
ment must  be  forward,  and  any  changes  be  restricted  to  the 
formation  of  the  ranks — the  only  movements  generally  ex- 
ecuted being  to  form  by  twos,  fours,  and  eights,  and,  when 
the  width  of  the  road  will  permit,  in  line.  All  movements 
should  be  executed  with  as  much  precision  as  in  the  ring, 
and  the  same  rules  should  be  observed. 

Riders  should  never  gallop  their  horses  down-hill,  as  it 
not  only  tends  to  injure  the  horse,  but  is  actually  dangerous ; 
a  horse  stumbling  while  going  down-hill  can  not  recover  so 
well  as  on  a  level,  and,  falling,  will  fall  with  much  greater 
force,  and  therefore  will  throw  his  rider  with  much  greater 
force  also.  Trotting  down-hill  is  not  so  bad,  but  is  not  ad- 
visable if  the  hill  be  steep,  as  the  strain  on  the  horse  is  much 
more  than  on  a  level,  and,  should  he  stumble,  he  will  also 
throw  the  rider  with  more  force. 

Riding  outside  in  company  is  very  exhilarating  and  en- 
joyable, the  horses  moving  with  more  ambition  than  when 
alone,  even  the  most  sluggish  acting  with  spirit,  and  none 
requiring  any  spurring  to  keep  up  with  the  rest,  though 
some  may  need  holding  back. 


THE    END. 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts  University 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton.  MA  01536 


